Peg lipids and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure in part provides compounds (i.e., PEG lipids) which are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions, and drug delivery systems, e.g, for use in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. The present disclosure also provides LNP formulations comprising PEG lipids described herein, and methods of using the same. For example, the LNPs provided herein are useful for the delivery of an agent (e.g, therapeutic agent) to a subject. The PEG lipids and LNPs provided herein, in certain embodiments, exhibit increased PEG shedding compared to existing PEG lipids and LNP formulations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, U.S. Ser. No. 62/733,278, filed Sep. 19, 2018; and U.S. Ser. No. 62/745,184, filed Oct. 12, 2018, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lipids comprising polyethylene glycol units (PEG lipids) have wide ranging applications in, for example, consumer products, pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions, and drug delivery. In particular, PEG lipids are useful as components in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the encapsulation and delivery of agents (e.g., therapeutic agents).

Effective in vivo delivery of active agents such as small molecule drugs, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids represents a continuing medical challenge. Some agents and/or particles are recognized by the immune system, resulting in decreased efficacy. To address this issue, certain formulations have incorporated polymers, such as PEG lipids, which are thought to cloak or mask the agent, thereby reducing its antigenicity and immunogenicity. However, even these “stealth” formulations have their limitations, including an inability to be repeatedly and frequently dosed, for example, over a period of days without the loss of activity. In addition, some agents or formulations when administered in vivo may interact with one or more cells or factors, potentially interfering with their functions, and ultimately resulting in adverse effects. Such adverse effects may limit the administration frequency and/or administered dose of the agent, or may preclude in vivo use altogether.

Formulating LNPs to achieve ideal physical characteristics and bioperformance is challenging. Several factors dictate LNP properties and performance, including structure of the lipid components, choice and ratio of the lipid components, ratio of lipid components to the encapsulated agent, and more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure in part provides compounds (i.e., PEG lipids) which are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions, and drug delivery systems, e.g., for use in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. The present disclosure also provides LNP formulations comprising PEG lipids described herein, and methods of using the same. For example, the LNPs provided herein are useful for the delivery of an agent (e.g., therapeutic agent such as a nucleic acid) to a subject. In certain embodiments, the LNPs provided herein are less susceptible, if at all susceptible, to accelerated blood clearance (ABC) after administration to a subject.

The PEG lipids and LNPs provided herein, in certain embodiments, exhibit increased PEG shedding compared to existing PEG lipids and LNP formulations. “PEG shedding,” as used herein, refers to the cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid. In many instances, cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid occurs through serum-driven esterase-cleavage or by hydrolysis. The PEG lipids provided herein, in certain embodiments, have been designed to control the rate of PEG shedding from an LNP.

Provided herein are LNPs comprising PEG lipids. In one aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (I):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), L¹, R¹, and r are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (II):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), r, and m are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (II) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (III):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), Y², R¹, and r are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (IV):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), L¹, R¹, and r are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein r is as defined herein.

Also provided herein are compounds (PEG lipids) of Formulae (I), (II), (III), and (IV), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Also provided herein are the following compounds (PEG lipids) and LNPs comprising the same:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Also provided herein are the following compounds (PEG lipids) and LNPs comprising the same:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are compounds (PEG lipids) of Formula (V) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising the same:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), L², r, and R¹ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the compound (PEG lipid) of Formula (V) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are compounds (PEG lipids) of Formula (VI) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising the same:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R^(O), L², r, Ring P, and R¹ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the compound (PEG lipid) of Formula (VI) is the following:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In addition to PEG lipids, an LNP formulation described herein may comprise lipids other than PEG lipids. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein further comprises an ionizable amino lipid, a helper lipid, and/or a structural lipid. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein comprises a PEG lipid provided herein, an ionizable amino lipid, a helper lipid, and a structural lipid. Several non-limiting examples of PEG lipids, ionizable amino lipids, helper lipids, and structural lipids are provided herein. The LNPs provided herein are useful for the delivery of therapeutic agents and therefore may comprise (e.g., encapsulate) one or more agents (e.g., therapeutic agents). Examples of therapeutic agents are also provided herein.

The PEG lipids and LNPs described herein may have improved physical and biological properties as compared to state-of-the-art formulations. It is common for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to induce an innate immune response after administration to a subject. In some instances, components of LNPs, such as phosphatidylcholines, may induce the production of natural IgM and/or IgG molecules, which may be mediated by the activation of B1 cells, such as B1a and/or B1b cells. These biological mechanisms may contribute to immune responses caused by LNPs, including accelerated blood clearance (ABC) and dose-limiting toxicity such as acute phase response (APR), and complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA). LNP formulations have been developed that that are less susceptible to recognition, and thus clearance (e.g., ABC), by the immune system. Some state-of-the-art LNP formulations have improved clearance profiles, and in some instances, improved toxicity profiles. For some examples of LNP formulations that are less susceptible to blood clearance, see International Publication No. WO 2017/099823, published Jun. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for delivering one or more therapeutic agents to a subject, the methods comprising administering to the subject an LNP provided herein, wherein the LNP encapsulates the one or more therapeutic agents of interest.

In some instances, a method for delivering one or more therapeutic agents may comprise:

(i) administering a first dose of an agent to a subject,

(ii) administering a second or subsequent dose of the agent to the subject, wherein the second or subsequent dose is administered within 2 weeks of the first or prior dose, and

(iii) repeating step (ii) one or more times.

In certain embodiments, the agent is formulated with an LNP that does not promote ABC. In certain embodiments, the half-life of the agent after the second and subsequent dose is at least 50% or more of the half-life of the agent after the first dose. In certain embodiments, the activity or blood concentration of the agent after the second and subsequent dose is at least 50% or more of the activity or blood concentration of the agent after the first dose.

The details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments, as described below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the Definitions, Examples, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows PEG shedding of PEG lipids in human serum. Percent (%) LNP-bound PEG was measured at various time points.

FIG. 2 shows a graph of percent (%) LNP-bound PEG after 6 hours in human serum.

FIG. 3 shows a table of percent (%) LNP-hound PEG after 6 hours in human serum for various formulations of PEG lipids.

FIG. 4 is a visual representation comparing PEG shedding data for PEG lipids (L19), (L18), (L17), and (L16). For reference, the structure of Compound (I) is shown:

FIG. 5 shows PEG shedding of ionizable amino lipid-PEG lipid formulations in human serum. Percent (%) LNP-bound PEG was measured after 6 hours in human serum for the various combinations.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the data shown in the table of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows percent (%) LNP-bound PEG measured at various time points for the various ionizable amino lipid-PEG lipid formulations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure in part provides compounds (i.e., PEG lipids), which are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions, and drug delivery systems, e.g., for use in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. The present disclosure also provides LNPs comprising PEG lipids described herein, and methods of using the same. For example, the LNPs provided herein are useful for the delivery of an agent (e.g., therapeutic agent) to a subject. In certain embodiments, the LNPs provided herein exhibit increased PEG shedding compared to existing LNP formulations. In certain embodiments, the LNPs provided herein are less susceptible, if at all susceptible, to accelerated blood clearance (ABC) after administration to a subject.

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) Comprising PEG Lipids

Provided herein are lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations comprising PEG lipids. A “PEG lipid” is a lipid modified with a polyethylene glycol unit. Some PEG lipids described herein are modified to comprise a hydroxyl group on the end of the PEG chain (“PEG-OH lipids” or “hydroxy-PEGylated lipids”). Some PEG lipids described herein are modified to comprise an —OR^(O) group on the end of the PEG chain, wherein R^(O) is as defined herein.

In certain embodiments, the LNPs provided herein exhibit increased PEG shedding as compared with existing LNP formulations comprising PEG lipids. “PEG shedding,” as used herein, refers to the cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid. In many instances, cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid occurs through serum-driven esterase-cleavage or hydrolysis. The PEG lipids provided herein, in certain embodiments, have been designed to control the rate of PEG shedding.

In one aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (I):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein:

L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene;

R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—;

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

s is an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (I) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (II):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein:

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group;

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive; and

m is an integer from 5-15, inclusive, or an integer from 19-30, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (II) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (II) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (III):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

Y² is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group;

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

each instance of s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (IV):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group;

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive;

provided that when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.

In certain embodiments, when L¹ is optionally substituted C₂ or C₃ alkylene, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is optionally substituted C₂ or C₃ alkylene, R^(O) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—;

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl;

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group;

provided that when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.

In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CR₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CR₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and

each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (IV) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (V):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or a combination thereof;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising PEG lipids of Formula (VI):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or combinations thereof;

Ring P is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted carbocyclyl;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The LNPs provided herein, in certain embodiments, exhibit increased PEG shedding compared to existing LNP formulations comprising PEG lipids. “PEG shedding,” as used herein, refers to the cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid. In many instances, cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid occurs through serum-driven esterase-cleavage or hydrolysis. The PEG lipids provided herein, in certain embodiments, have been designed to control the rate of PEG shedding. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein exhibits greater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein exhibits greater than 50% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein exhibits greater than 60% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein exhibits greater than 70% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, the LNP exhibits greater than 80% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, the LNP exhibits greater than 90% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, an LNP provided herein exhibits greater than 90% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.

In addition to the PEG lipids provided herein, the LNP may comprise one or more additional lipid components. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in the LNP in a molar ratio of 0.15-15% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of 0.15-5% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of 1-5% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of 0.15-2% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of 1-2% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of approximately 1%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, or 2% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipids are present in a molar ratio of approximately 1.5% with respect to other lipids.

LNPs provided herein may comprise any lipid(s) in addition to the PEG lipid component. As generally defined herein, the term “lipid” refers to a molecule that has hydrophobic or amphiphilic properties. Lipids may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Examples of classes of lipids include, but are not limited to, fats, waxes, sterol-containing metabolites, vitamins, fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, saccharolipids, polyketides, and prenol lipids. In some instances, the amphiphilic properties of some lipids leads them to form liposomes, vesicles, or membranes in aqueous media.

In certain embodiments, for example, a lipid nanoparticle may comprise a PEG lipid described herein, an ionizable amino lipid, a helper lipid, and a structural lipid.

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) Comprising PEG Lipids and Ionizable Amino Lipids

In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises an ionizable amino lipid (i.e., cationic lipid).

Provided herein are LNPs comprising a PEG lipid component described herein, and an ionizable amino lipid. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and a compound of Formula (X). A compound of Formula (X) has the following formula:

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein:

R₁ is selected from the group consisting of C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, C₅₋₂₀ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R″M′R′;

R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₁₄ alkyl, C₂₋₁₄ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R*OR″, or R₂ and R₃, together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle;

R₄ is selected from the group consisting of a C₃₋₆ carbocycle, —(CH₂)_(n)Q, —(CH₂)_(n)CHQR, —CHQR, —CQ(R)₂, and unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, —OR, —O(CH₂)_(n)N(R)₂, —C(O)OR, —OC(O)R, —CX₃, —CX₂H, —CXH₂, —CN, —N(R)₂, —C(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)R, —N(R)S(O)₂R, —N(R)C(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(S)N(R)₂, —N(R)R₈, —O(CH₂)_(n)OR, —N(R)C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —OC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)OR, —N(OR)C(O)R, —N(OR)S(O)₂R, —N(OR)C(O)OR, —N(OR)C(O)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(S)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —C(═NR₉)R, —C(O)N(R)OR, and —C(R)N(R)₂C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;

each R₅ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H;

each R₆ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H;

M and M′ are independently selected from —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —C(S)S—, —SC(S)—, —CH(OH)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S(O)₂—, —S—S—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group;

R₇ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H;

R₈ is selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₆ carbocycle and heterocycle;

R₉ is selected from the group consisting of H, CN, NO₂, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —OR, —S(O)₂R, —S(O)₂N(R)₂, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₃₋₆ carbocycle and heterocycle;

each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H;

each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, C₂₋₁₈ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and H;

each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₁₄ alkyl and C₃₋₁₄ alkenyl;

each R* is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl and C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl;

each Y is independently a C₃₋₆ carbocycle;

each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and

m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (X) is of Formula (XA):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein 1 is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; M₁ is a bond or M′; R₄ is unsubstituted C₁₋₃ alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(n)Q, in which Q is OH, —NHC(S)N(R)₂, —NHC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)R, —N(R)S(O)₂R, —N(R)R₈, —NHC(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —NHC(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —OC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)OR, heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl; M and M′ are independently selected from —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S—S—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₁₄ alkyl, and C₂₋₁₄ alkenyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (X) is of Formula (XI):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein 1 is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; M₁ is a bond or M′; R₄ is unsubstituted C₁₋₃ alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(n)Q, in which n is 2, 3, or 4, and Q is OH, —NHC(S)N(R)₂, —NHC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)R, —N(R)S(O)₂R, —N(R)R₈, —NHC(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —NHC(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —OC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)OR, heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl; M and M′ are independently selected from —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S—S—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₁₄ alkyl, and C₂₋₁₄ alkenyl.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (X) is of Formula (XIa), (XIb), (XIc), or (XIe):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein R₄ is as described herein.

In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula (X) is of Formula (XId):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein n is 2, 3, or 4; and m, R¹, R″, and R₂ through R₆ are as described herein. For example, each of R₂ and R₃ may be independently selected from the group consisting of C₅₋₁₄ alkyl and C₅₋₁₄ alkenyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (X) has the following structure:

or a salt thereof. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and Compound (B).

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (X) has the structure:

or a salt thereof. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises PEG lipid component described herein, and Compound (C).

In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula (X) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A2). In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A3).

In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula (X) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and one of the preceding compounds of Formula (X). In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A1). In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A4). In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A5). In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A6).

In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and a compound of Formula (Y). A compound of Formula (Y) has the following formula:

or a salt thereof, wherein:

Ring A is

A₁ and A₂ are each independently selected from CH and N;

Z is CH₂ or absent wherein when Z is CH₂, the dashed lines (1) and (2) each represent a single bond; and when Z is absent, the dashed lines (1) and (2) are both absent;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of C₅₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₂₀ alkenyl, —R″MR′, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R*OR″;

each M is independently selected from the group consisting of —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —C(S)S—, —SC(S)—, —CH(OH)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S(O)₂—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group;

X₁, X₂, and X₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂—, —CHR—, —CHY—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)—CH₂—, —CH₂C(O)—, —C(O)O—CH₂—, —OC(O)—CH₂—, —CH₂C(O)O—, —CH₂OC(O)—, —CH(OH)—, —C(S)—, and —CH(SH)—;

each Y is independently a C₃₋₆ carbocycle;

each R* is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl and C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl;

each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl and a C₃₋₆ carbocycle;

each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, and H; and

each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₁₂ alkyl and C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (Y) is of one of the Formulae (Ya1), (Ya2), (Ya3), (Ya4), (Ya5), or (Ya6):

or a salt or stereoisomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (Y) is of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component described herein, and compound (A).

Additional examples of ionizable amino lipids (e.g., compounds of Formulae (X) and (Y), etc.) can be found in, for example, International Publication No. WO 2017/049245, published Mar. 23, 2017, and International Publication No. WO 2017/112865, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-65% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-50% with respect to other lipids.

In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40% or less with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 35% or less with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30% or less with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-35% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 35-45% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40-50% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 45-55% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, or 45% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40% with respect to other lipids.

Examples of ionizable amino lipids (also called “cationic lipids”) are provided herein. Ionizable/cationic lipids generally are lipids that may have a positive or partial positive charge at physiological pH. In certain embodiments, ionizable amino lipids useful in the present invention can be found in International Publication No. WO 2017/049245, published Mar. 23, 2017, or International Publication No. WO 2017/112865, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, cationic and/or ionizable lipids may be selected from the non-limiting group consisting of 3-(didodecylamino)-N1,N1,4-tridodecyl-1-piperazineethanamine (KL10), N1-[2-(didodecylamino)ethyl] N1,N4,N4-tridodecyl-1,4-piperazinediethanamine (KL22), 14,25-ditridecyl-15,18,21,24-tetraaza-octatriacontane (KL25), 1,2-dilinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-DMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA), heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl-4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (DLin-MC3-DMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-(2 dimethylaminoethyl)-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), 1,2-dioleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), 2-({8 [(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy) N,N dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA), (2R)-2-({8-[(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2R)), and (2S) 2-({8-[(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2S)). In addition to these, a cationic lipid may also be a lipid including a cyclic amine group. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the cationic lipid may be selected from, but not limited to, a cationic lipid described in International Publication Nos. WO2012040184, WO2011153120, WO2011149733, WO2011090965, WO2011043913, WO2011022460, WO2012061259, WO2012054365, WO2012044638, WO2010080724, WO201021865, WO2008103276, WO2013086373 and WO2013086354, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,893,302, 7,404,969, 8,283,333, and 8,466,122 and US Patent Publication No. US20100036115, US20120202871, US20130064894, US20130129785, US20130150625, US20130178541, and US20130225836; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In another embodiment, the cationic lipid may be selected from, but not limited to, formula A described in International Publication Nos. WO2012040184, WO2011153120, WO2011149733, WO2011090965, WO2011043913, WO2011022460, WO2012061259, WO2012054365, WO2012044638 and WO2013116126 and US Patent Publication No. US20130178541 and US20130225836; the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In yet another embodiment, the cationic lipid may be selected from, but not limited to, formula CLI-CLXXIX of International Publication No. WO2008103276, formula CLI-CLXXIX of U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,302, formula CLI-CLXXXXII of U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,969 and formula I-VI of US Patent Publication No. US20100036115, formula I of US Patent Publication No US20130123338; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As a non-limiting example, the cationic lipid may be selected from (20Z,23Z)—N,N-dimethylnonacosa-20,23-dien-10-amine, (17Z,20Z)—N,N-dimemylhexacosa-17,20-dien-9-amine, (1Z,19Z)—N5N-dimethylpentacosa-16, 19-dien-8-amine, (13Z,16Z)—N,N-dimethyldocosa-13,16-dien-5-amine, (12Z,15Z)—N,N dimethylhenicosa-12,15-dien-4-amine, (14Z,17Z)—N,N-dimethyltricosa-14,17-dien-6-amine, (15Z,18Z)—N,N-dimethyltetracosa-15,18-dien-7-amine, (18Z,21Z)—N,N-dimethylheptacosa-18,21-dien-10-amine, (15Z,18Z)—N,N-dimethyltetracosa-15,18-dien-5-amine, (14Z,17Z)—N,N-dimethyltricosa-14,17-dien-4-amine, (19Z,22Z)—N,N-dimeihyloctacosa-19,22-dien-9-amine, (18Z,21 Z)—N,N-dimethylheptacosa-18,21-dien-8-amine, (17Z,20Z)—N,N-dimethylhexacosa-17,20-dien-7-amine, (16Z,19Z)—N,N-dimethylpentacosa-16,19-dien-6-amine, (22Z,25Z)—N,N-dimethylhentriaconta-22,25-dien-10-amine, (21 Z,24Z)—N,N-dimethyltriaconta-21,24-dien-9-amine, (18Z)—N,N-dimetylheptacos-18-en-10-amine, (17Z)—N,N-dimethylhexacos-17-en-9-amine, (19Z,22Z)—N,N-dimethyloctacosa-19,22-dien-7-amine, N,N-dimethylheptacosan-10-amine, (20Z,23Z)—N-ethyl-N-methylnonacosa-20,23-dien-10-amine, 1-[(11Z,14Z)-1-nonylicosa-11,14-dien-1-yl]pyrrolidine, (20Z)—N,N-dimethylheptacos-20-en-10-amine, (15Z)—N,N-dimethyl eptacos-15-en-10-amine, (14Z)—N,N-dimethylnonacos-14-en-10-amine, (17Z)—N,N-dimethylnonacos-17-en-10-amine, (24Z)—N,N-dimethyltritriacont-24-en-10-amine, (20Z)—N,N-dimethylnonacos-20-en-10-amine, (22Z)—N,N-dimethylhentriacont-22-en-10-amine, (16Z)—N,N-dimethylpentacos-16-en-8-amine, (12Z,15Z)—N,N-dimethyl-2-nonylhenicosa-12,15-dien-1-amine, (13Z,16Z)—N,N-dimethyl-3-nonyldocosa-13,16-dien-1-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl] eptadecan-8-amine, 1-[(1S,2R)-2-hexylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylnonadecan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]nonadecan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-21-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]henicosan-10-amine,N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1S,2S)-2-{[(1R,2R)-2-pentylcyciopropyl]methyl}cyclopropyl]nonadecan-10-amine,N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1 S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]hexadecan-8-amine, N,N-dimethyl-[(1R,2S)-2 undecyIcyclopropyl]tetradecan-5-amine, N,N-dimethyl-3-{7-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]heptyl} dodecan-1-amine, 1-[(1R,2S)-2-heptylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethyloctadecan-9-amine, 1-[(1S,2R)-2-decylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylpentadecan-6-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]pentadecan-8-amine, R—N,N-dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, S—N,N-dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-{2-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-1-[(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl}pyrrolidine, (2 S)—N,N-dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-[(5Z)-oct-5-en-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, 1-{2-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-1-[(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl}azetidine, (2S)-1-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-(heptyloxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-(nonyloxy)-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine; (2S)—N,N-dimethyl-1-[(6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadeca-6,9,12-trien-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(pentyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-(hexyloxy)-3-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-[(13Z,16Z)-docosa-13,16-dien-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(13Z,16Z)-docosa-13,16-dien-1-yloxy]-3-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-1-yloxy]-3-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-[(9Z)-hexadec-9-en-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2R)—N,N-dimethyl-H(1-metoyloctyl)oxy]-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, (2R)-1-[(3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-(octyloxy)-3-({8-[(1S,2S)-2-[(1R,2R)-2-pentylcyclopropyl]methyl}cyclopropyl]octyl}oxy)propan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-{[8-(2-oc1ylcyclopropyl)octyl]oxy}-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, and (11E,20Z,23Z)— N,N-dimethylnonacosa-11,20,2-trien-10-amine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the lipid may be a cleavable lipid such as those described in International Publication No. WO2012170889, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, the lipid may be a cationic lipid such as, but not limited to, Formula (I) of U.S. Patent Application No. US20130064894, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the cationic lipid may be synthesized by methods known in the art and/or as described in International Publication Nos. WO2013086354; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, the cationic lipid may be a trialkyl cationic lipid. Non-limiting examples of trialkyl cationic lipids and methods of making and using the trialkyl cationic lipids are described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013126803, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, LNPs comprise the lipid KL52 (an amino-lipid disclosed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2012/0295832 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Activity and/or safety (as measured by examining one or more of ALT/AST, white blood cell count and cytokine induction) of LNP administration may be improved by incorporation of such lipids. LNPs comprising KL52 may be administered intravenously and/or in one or more doses. In some embodiments, administration of LNPs comprising KL52 results in equal or improved mRNA and/or protein expression as compared to LNPs comprising MC3.

As a non-limiting example, the LNP may include a cationic peptide or a polypeptide such as, but not limited to, polylysine, polyornithine, and/or polyarginine, and the cationic peptides described in International Pub. No. WO2012013326 or US Patent Pub. No. US20130142818; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Other LNP Components

In addition to PEG lipids and/or ionizable amino lipids, an LNP described herein may further comprise one or more additional lipid components.

In certain embodiments, the LNP further comprises a helper lipid. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 10-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 10-20% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 15-25% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 20-30% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-35% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, or 35% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 10% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 20% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30% with respect to other lipids.

Examples of helper lipids are provided herein. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a phospholipid. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is DSPC or an analog thereof. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is DSPC. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is DOPE. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is oleic acid or an analog thereof. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is oleic acid.

Helper lipids useful in the present invention include neutral and/or non-cationic lipids (e.g., lipids that are neutral or non-cationic lipid at physiological pH). Helper lipids may also be referred to as “non-cationic” lipids. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a phospholipid.

For other embodiments, including examples of helper lipids useful in the present invention, see International Publication No. WO 2017/099823, published Jun. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Phospholipids, as defined herein, are any lipids that comprise a phosphate group. Phospholipids are a subset of non-cationic lipids. The lipid component of a nanoparticle composition may include one or more phospholipids, such as one or more (poly)unsaturated lipids. Phospholipids may assemble into one or more lipid bilayers. In general, phospholipids may include a phospholipid moiety and one or more fatty acid moieties. A phospholipid moiety may be selected from the non-limiting group consisting of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidic acid, 2-lysophosphatidyl choline, and a sphingomyelin. A fatty acid moiety may be selected from the non-limiting group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, erucic acid, phytanoic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, behenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Non-natural species including natural species with modifications and substitutions including branching, oxidation, cyclization, and alkynes are also contemplated. For example, a phospholipid may be functionalized with or cross-linked to one or more alkynes (e.g., an alkenyl group in which one or more double bonds is replaced with a triple bond). Under appropriate reaction conditions, an alkyne group may undergo a copper-catalyzed cycloaddition upon exposure to an azide. Such reactions may be useful in functionalizing a lipid bilayer of a nanoparticle composition to facilitate membrane permeation or cellular recognition or in conjugating a nanoparticle composition to a useful component such as a targeting or imaging moiety (e.g., a dye). Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Helper lipids, in particular phospholipids, useful in the compositions and methods may be selected from the non-limiting group consisting of

-   1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), -   1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), -   1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), -   1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1 -   1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), -   1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), -   1,2-diundecanoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DUPC), -   1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), -   1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0 Diether PC), -   1-oleoyl-2-cholesterylhemisuccinoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine     (OChemsPC), -   1-hexadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C16 Lyso PC), -   1,2-dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, -   1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, -   1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, -   1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (ME 16.0 PE), -   1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, -   1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, -   1,2-dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, -   1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, -   1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine,     1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) sodium salt     (DOPG), and sphingomyelin. Each possibility represents a separate     embodiment of the present invention.     In some embodiments, a nanoparticle composition includes DSPC. In     certain embodiments, a nanoparticle composition includes DOPE. In     some embodiments, a nanoparticle composition includes both DSPC and     DOPE.

In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a fatty acid. The fatty acid may be saturated or unsaturated. Examples of unsaturated fatty acids include, but are not limited to, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, alpha-linoelaidic acid arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexanoic acid, or any cis/trans double-bond isomers thereof. In certain embodiments, the lipid is oleic acid. In certain embodiments, the lipid is an isomer of oleic acid (e.g., the double bond is in a different location along the aliphatic chain relative to oleic acid). In certain embodiments, the lipid is an analog of oleic acid (e.g., the aliphatic chain is 1-10 carbons longer or 1-10 carbons shorter than the aliphatic chain of oleic acid). Examples of saturated fatty acids include, but are not limited to, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and cerotic acid. In certain embodiments, an oleic acid analog is a compound wherein the carboxylic acid moiety of oleic acid replaced by a different group.

In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a glycine derivative of a fatty acid (e.g., N-palitoylglycine or N-oleoglycine). In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a glycerolipid (e.g., monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride). In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a monoglyceride. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a diglyceride. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid is a triglyceride. In certain embodiments, the helper lipid comprises a sugar moeity (e.g., saccharide, disaccharide, polysaccharide).

In certain embodiments, the LNP further comprises a structural lipid. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-50% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 35-45% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40-50% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-35% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 35-40% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40-45% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 45-50% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 35%, 35.5%, 36%, 36.5%, 37%, 37.5%, 38%, 38.5%, 39%, 39.5%, 40%, 40.5%, 41%, 41.5%, or 42% with respect to other lipids. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 38.5% with respect to other lipids.

Examples of structural lipids are provided herein. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is a sterol. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is cholesterol.

Non-limiting examples of structural lipids useful in the invention are provided herein. Incorporation of structural lipids in the lipid nanoparticle may help mitigate aggregation of other lipids in the particle. Structural lipids can be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, cholesterol, fecosterol, sitosterol, ergosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, tomatidine, tomatine, ursolic acid, alpha-tocopherol, hopanoids, phytosterols, steroids, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the structural lipid is a sterol. As defined herein, “sterols” are a subgroup of steroids consisting of steroid alcohols. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is a steroid. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is cholesterol. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is an analog of cholesterol. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is alpha-tocopherol.

For other embodiments, including examples of helper lipids and structural lipids useful in the present invention, see International Publication No. WO 2017/099823, published Jun. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises a PEG lipid component provided herein, an ionizable amino lipid, a helper lipid, and a structural lipid. In certain embodiments, the LNP comprises 25-65% ionizable amino lipid, about 0.15-15% PEG lipids provided herein, about 30-50% structural lipid, and about 10-40% helper lipid.

Many other lipids and LNP components applicable to the present disclosure can be found in, e.g., International Publication No. WO 2017/099823, published Jun. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Methods for Delivery of Therapeutic Agents

Also provided herein are methods of delivering one or more therapeutic agents to a subject, the methods comprising administering to the subject an LNP described herein. In certain embodiments, the LNP encapsulates the one or more therapeutic agents of interest.

In certain embodiments, the LNPs described herein may be less susceptible to clearance and thus have a longer half-life in vivo. This is particularly the case where the compositions are intended for repeated, including chronic, administration, and even more particularly where such repeated administration occurs within days or weeks. Significantly, these compositions are less susceptible or altogether circumvent the observed phenomenon of accelerated blood clearance (ABC). ABC is a phenomenon in which certain exogenously administered agents are rapidly cleared from the blood upon second and subsequent administrations. This phenomenon has been observed, in part, for a variety of lipid-containing compositions including, but not limited to, lipidated agents, liposomes, or other lipid-based delivery vehicles, and lipid-encapsulated agents. This resistance to ABC renders these compounds and compositions particularly suitable for repeated use in vivo, including for repeated use within short periods of time, including days or 1-2 weeks. This enhanced stability and/or half-life is due, in part, to the inability of these compositions to activate B1a and/or B1b cells and/or conventional B cells, pDCs, and/or platelets. B1a cells are normally responsible for secreting natural antibody, in the form of circulating IgM. The IgM is poly-reactive, meaning that it is able to bind to a variety of antigens, albeit with a relatively low affinity for each.

It has been found that some lipidated agents or lipid-comprising formulations such as lipid nanoparticles administered in vivo trigger and are subject to ABC. It has also been found that upon administration of a first dose of the LNP, one or more cells involved in generating an innate immune response (referred to herein as sensors) bind such agent, are activated, and then initiate a cascade of immune factors (referred to herein as effectors) that promote ABC and toxicity. For instance, B1a and B1b cells may bind to LNP, become activated (alone or in the presence of other sensors such as pDC and/or effectors such as IL6) and secrete natural IgM that binds to the LNP. Pre-existing natural IgM in the subject may also recognize and bind to the LNP, thereby triggering complement fixation. After administration of the first dose, the production of natural IgM begins within 1-2 hours of administration of the LNP. Typically by about 2-3 weeks the natural IgM is cleared from the system due to the natural half-life of IgM. Natural IgG is produced beginning around 96 hours after administration of the LNP. The agent, when administered in a naïve setting, can exert its biological effects relatively unencumbered by the natural IgM produced post-activation of the B1a cells or B1b cells or natural IgG. The natural IgM and natural IgG are non-specific and thus are distinct from anti-PEG IgM and anti-PEG IgG.

For further details of the mechanisms associated with ABC, see International Publication Number WO 2017/099823, published Jun. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, an LNP described herein is less sensitive to accelerated blood clearance (ABC) as compared to existing LNP formulations. As described herein, this disclosure provides compounds and compositions that in certain embodiments do not promote ABC. These may be further characterized as not capable of activating B1a and/or B1b cells, platelets, and/or pDC, and optionally conventional B cells also. These lipid nanoparticles are particularly desirable for applications requiring repeated administration, and in particular repeated administrations that occur within short periods of time (e.g., within 1-2 weeks). This is the case, for example, if the agent is a nucleic acid based therapeutic that is provided to a subject at regular, closely-spaced intervals.

The LNPs provided herein, in some instances, may not trigger a CD5(+) mediated immune response. As used herein, a CD5(+) mediated immune response is an immune response that is mediated by B1a and/or B1b cells. Such a response may include an ABC response, an acute phase response, induction of natural IgM and/or IgG, and the like.

The LNPs provided herein, in some instances, may not trigger a CD19(+) mediated immune response. As used herein, a CD19(+) mediated immune response is an immune response that is mediated by conventional CD19(+), CD5(−) B cells. Such a response may include induction of IgM, induction of IgG, induction of memory B cells, an ABC response, an anti-drug antibody (ADA) response including an anti-protein response where the protein may be encapsulated within an LNP, and the like.

B1a cells are a subset of B cells involved in innate immunity. These cells are the source of circulating IgM, referred to as natural antibody or natural serum antibody. Natural IgM antibodies are characterized as having weak affinity for a number of antigens, and therefore they are referred to as “poly-specific” or “poly-reactive,” indicating their ability to bind to more than one antigen. B1a cells are not able to produce IgG. Additionally, they do not develop into memory cells and thus do not contribute to an adaptive immune response. However, they are able to secrete IgM upon activation. The secreted IgM is typically cleared within about 2-3 weeks, at which point the immune system is rendered relatively naïve to the previously administered antigen. If the same antigen is presented after this time period (e.g., at about 3 weeks after the initial exposure), the antigen is not rapidly cleared. However, significantly, if the antigen is presented within that time period (e.g., within 2 weeks, including within 1 week, or within days), then the antigen is rapidly cleared. This delay between consecutive doses has rendered certain lipid-containing therapeutic or diagnostic agents unsuitable for use.

In humans, B1a cells are CD19(+), CD20(+), CD27(+), CD43(+), CD70(−), and CD5(+). In mice, B1a cells are CD19(+), CD5(+), and CD45 B cell isoform B220(+). It is the expression of CD5 which typically distinguishes B1a cells from other convention B cells. B1a cells may express high levels of CD5, and on this basis may be distinguished from other B-1 cells such as B-1b cells which express low or undetectable levels of CD5. CD5 is a pan-T cell surface glycoprotein. B1a cells also express CD36, also known as fatty acid translocase. CD36 is a member of the class B scavenger receptor family. CD36 can bind many ligands, including oxidized low density lipoproteins, native lipoproteins, oxidized phospholipids, and long-chain fatty acids.

B1b cells are another subset of B cells involved in innate immunity. These cells are another source of circulating natural IgM. Several antigens, including PS, are capable of inducing T cell independent immunity through B1b activation. CD27 is typically upregulated on B1b cells in response to antigen activation. Similar to B1a cells, the B1b cells are typically located in specific body locations such as the spleen and peritoneal cavity and are in very low abundance in the blood. The B1b secreted natural IgM is typically cleared within about 2-3 weeks, at which point the immune system is rendered relatively naïve to the previously administered antigen. If the same antigen is presented after this time period (e.g., at about 3 weeks after the initial exposure), the antigen is not rapidly cleared. However, significantly, if the antigen is presented within that time period (e.g., within 2 weeks, including within 1 week, or within days), then the antigen is rapidly cleared. This delay between consecutive doses has rendered certain lipid-containing therapeutic or diagnostic agents unsuitable for use.

In some embodiments it is desirable to block B1a and/or B1b cell activation. One strategy for blocking B1a and/or B1b cell activation involves determining which components of a lipid nanoparticle promote B cell activation and neutralizing those components. It has been discovered herein that at least PEG and phosphatidylcholine (PC) contribute to B1a and B1b cell interaction with other cells and/or activation. PEG may play a role in promoting aggregation between B1 cells and platelets, which may lead to activation. PC (a helper lipid in LNPs) is also involved in activating the B1 cells, likely through interaction with the CD36 receptor on the B cell surface. Numerous particles having PEG-lipid alternatives, PEG-less, and/or PC replacement lipids (e.g. oleic acid or analogs thereof) have been designed and tested. As described herein, utilizing PEG lipids provided herein is useful in preventing ABC by reducing the production of natural IgM and/or B cell activation by LNPs. Thus, the invention encompasses LNPs that have reduced ABC as a result of a design which eliminates B cell triggers.

Another strategy for blocking B1a and/or B1b cell activation involves using an agent that inhibits immune responses induced by LNPs. These types of agents are discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments these agents block the interaction between B1a/B1b cells and the LNP or platelets or pDC. For instance the agent may be an antibody or other binding agent that physically blocks the interaction. An example of this is an antibody that binds to CD36 or CD6. The agent may also be a compound that prevents or disables the B1a/B1b cell from signaling once activated or prior to activation. For instance, it is possible to block one or more components in the B1a/B1b signaling cascade the results from B cell interaction with LNP or other immune cells. In other embodiments the agent may act one or more effectors produced by the B1a/B1b cells following activation. These effectors include for instance, natural IgM and cytokines.

In certain embodiments, a LNP comprising a plurality of PEG lipids described herein exhibits lower B cell (e.g., B1a, B1b cell) binding and/or activation as compared to existing LNP formulations.

In certain embodiments, a LNP comprising a plurality of PEG lipids described herein exhibits lower IgM binding as compared to existing LNP formulations.

In some instances, a method for delivering one or more therapeutic agents may comprise:

(i) administering a first dose of an agent to a subject,

(ii) administering a second or subsequent dose of the agent to the subject, wherein the second or subsequent dose is administered within 2 weeks of the first or prior dose, and

(iii) repeating step (ii) one or more times.

In certain embodiments, the agent is formulated with an LNP that does not promote ABC.

Another method for delivering an agent to a subject involves

(i) administering a first dose of an agent to a subject,

(ii) administering a second or subsequent dose of the agent to the subject, wherein the second or subsequent dose is administered within 2 weeks of the first or prior dose, and

(iii) repeating step (ii) one or more times, wherein the half-life of the agent after the second and subsequent dose is at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more of the half-life of the agent after the first dose.

Still another method for delivering an agent to a subject involves:

(i) administering a first dose of an agent to a subject,

(ii) administering a second or subsequent dose of the agent to the subject, wherein the second or subsequent dose is administered within 2 weeks of the first or prior dose, and

(iii) repeating step (ii) one or more times, wherein the activity or blood concentration of the agent after the second and subsequent dose is at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more of the activity or blood concentration of the agent after the first dose.

Second or subsequent doses may be administered within 1 week, or within 6 days, or within 5 days, or within 4 days, or within 3 days, or within 2 days, or within 1 day of the first or prior dose. Agents may be administered two or more times, three or more times, four or more times, etc. Agent administration may therefore be repeated once, twice, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more times. The agent may be administered chronically or acutely, depending on its intended purpose.

The second and subsequent doses of biologically active agent may maintain an activity of at least 50% of the activity of the first dose, or at least 60% of the first dose, or at least 70% of the first dose, or at least 75% of the first dose, or at least 80% of the first dose, or at least 85% of the first dose, or at least 90% of the first dose, or at least 95% of the first dose, or more, for at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days post-administration of the second or subsequent dose.

The interval between the first dose and the second dose in any of the methods described herein may be equal to or less than two weeks, for example, less than 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 days. In some instances, the subject can be administered a dose once daily, every 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 days in any of the methods described herein. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

When the biologically active agent is an mRNA (a therapeutic mRNA or a mRNA encoding a vaccine antigen), a method for reducing ABC of LNPs encapsulating the mRNA can be performed using a low amount of the LNPs for the first dose, and/or the second dose (as well as the subsequent doses). The low doses can be equal to or less than 0.3 mg/kg, e.g., 0.2 mg/kg, or 0.1 mg/kg. In some instances, the first dose, the second dose, or both range from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg.

Also provided herein are methods of treating a subject having or at risk of having a condition that benefits from the biologically active agent, particularly if the biologically active agent is a therapeutic agent. Alternatively, a method may be a method of diagnosing a subject, in which case the biologically active agent is a diagnostic agent.

LNP Formulations and Properties

The formation of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) described herein may be accomplished by any methods known in the art. For example, as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0178702, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Non-limiting examples of lipid nanoparticle compositions and methods of making them are described, for example, in Semple et al. (2010) Nat. Biotechnol. 28:172-176; Jayarama et al. (2012), Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 51: 8529-8533; and Maier et al. (2013) Molecular Therapy 21, 1570-1578 (the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, the LNP formulation may be formulated by the methods described in International Publication Nos. WO 2011/127255 or WO 2008/103276, the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As a non-limiting example, LNP formulations as described in WO 2011/127255 and/or WO 2008/103276; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In one embodiment, LNP formulations described herein may comprise a polycationic composition. As a non-limiting example, the polycationic composition may be selected from formula 1-60 of US Patent Publication No. US 20050222064; the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticle may be formulated by the methods described in US Patent Publication No US 2013/0156845, and International Publication No WO 2013/093648 or WO 2012/024526, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The lipid nanoparticles described herein may be made in a sterile environment by the system and/or methods described in US Patent Publication No. US 20130164400, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the LNP formulation may be formulated in a nanoparticle such as a nucleic acid-lipid particle described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,492,359, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A nanoparticle composition may optionally comprise one or more coatings. For example, a nanoparticle composition may be formulated in a capsule, film, or tablet having a coating. A capsule, film, or tablet including a composition described herein may have any useful size, tensile strength, hardness, or density.

In some embodiments, such LNPs are synthesized using methods comprising microfluidic mixers. Exemplary microfluidic mixers may include, but are not limited to a slit interdigitial micromixer including, but not limited to those manufactured by Microinnova (Allerheiligen bei Wildon, Austria) and/or a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) (Zhigaltsev, I. V. et al., Bottom-up design and synthesis of limit size lipid nanoparticle systems with aqueous and triglyceride cores using millisecond microfluidic mixing have been published (Langmuir. 2012. 28:3633-40; Belliveau, N. M. et al., Microfluidic synthesis of highly potent limit-size lipid nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of siRNA. Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids. 2012. 1:e37; Chen, D. et al., Rapid discovery of potent siRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles enabled by controlled microfluidic formulation. J Am Chem Soc. 2012. 134(16):6948-51; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, methods of LNP generation comprising SHM, further comprise the mixing of at least two input streams wherein mixing occurs by microstructure-induced chaotic advection (MICA). According to this method, fluid streams flow through channels present in a herringbone pattern causing rotational flow and folding the fluids around each other. This method may also comprise a surface for fluid mixing wherein the surface changes orientations during fluid cycling. Methods of generating LNPs using SHM include those disclosed in U.S. Application Publication Nos. 2004/0262223 and 2012/0276209, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles may be formulated using a micromixer such as, but not limited to, a Slit Interdigital Microstructured Mixer (SIMM-V2) or a Standard Slit Interdigital Micro Mixer (SSIMM) or Caterpillar (CPMM) or Impinging jet (IJMM)from the Institut fúr Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH, Mainz Germany).

In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles are created using microfluidic technology (see Whitesides, George M. The Origins and the Future of Microfluidics. Nature, 2006 442: 368-373; and Abraham et al. Chaotic Mixer for Microchannels. Science, 2002 295: 647-651; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). As a non-limiting example, controlled microfluidic formulation includes a passive method for mixing streams of steady pressure-driven flows in micro channels at a low Reynolds number (See e.g., Abraham et al. Chaotic Mixer for Microchannels. Science, 2002 295: 647651; which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In one embodiment, the mRNA of the present invention may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles created using a micromixer chip such as, but not limited to, those from Harvard Apparatus (Holliston, Mass.) or Dolomite Microfluidics (Royston, UK). A micromixer chip can be used for rapid mixing of two or more fluid streams with a split and recombine mechanism.

In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles may have a diameter from about 10 to about 100 nm such as, but not limited to, about 10 to about 20 nm, about 10 to about 30 nm, about 10 to about 40 nm, about 10 to about 50 nm, about 10 to about 60 nm, about 10 to about 70 nm, about 10 to about 80 nm, about 10 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 30 nm, about 20 to about 40 nm, about 20 to about 50 nm, about 20 to about 60 nm, about 20 to about 70 nm, about 20 to about 80 nm, about 20 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 100 nm, about 30 to about 40 nm, about 30 to about 50 nm, about 30 to about 60 nm, about 30 to about 70 nm, about 30 to about 80 nm, about 30 to about 90 nm, about 30 to about 100 nm, about 40 to about 50 nm, about 40 to about 60 nm, about 40 to about 70 nm, about 40 to about 80 nm, about 40 to about 90 nm, about 40 to about 100 nm, about 50 to about 60 nm, about 50 to about 70 nm about 50 to about 80 nm, about 50 to about 90 nm, about 50 to about 100 nm, about 60 to about 70 nm, about 60 to about 80 nm, about 60 to about 90 nm, about 60 to about 100 nm, about 70 to about 80 nm, about 70 to about 90 nm, about 70 to about 100 nm, about 80 to about 90 nm, about 80 to about 100 nm and/or about 90 to about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles may have a diameter from about 10 to 500 nm. In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticle may have a diameter greater than 100 nm, greater than 150 nm, greater than 200 nm, greater than 250 nm, greater than 300 nm, greater than 350 nm, greater than 400 nm, greater than 450 nm, greater than 500 nm, greater than 550 nm, greater than 600 nm, greater than 650 nm, greater than 700 nm, greater than 750 nm, greater than 800 nm, greater than 850 nm, greater than 900 nm, greater than 950 nm or greater than 1000 nm. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a nanoparticle (e.g., a lipid nanoparticle) has a mean diameter of 10-500 nm, 20-400 nm, 30-300 nm, or 40-200 nm. In some embodiments, a nanoparticle (e.g., a lipid nanoparticle) has a mean diameter of 50-150 nm, 50-200 nm, 80-100 nm. or 80-200 nm.

In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles described herein can have a diameter from below 0.1 um up to 100 nm such as, but not limited to, less than 0.1 um, less than 1.0 um, less than 5 um, less than 10 um, less than 15 um, less than 20 um, less than 25 um, less than 30 um, less than 35 um, less than 40 um, less than 50 um, less than 55 um, less than 60 um, less than 65 um, less than 70 um, less than 75 um, less than 80 um, less than 85 um, less than 90 um, less than 95 um, less than 100 um, less than 125 um, less than 150 um, less than 175 um, less than 200 um, less than 225 um, less than 250 um, less than 275 um, less than 300 um, less than 325 um, less than 350 um, less than 375 um, less than 400 um, less than 425 um, less than 450 um, less than 475 um, less than 500 um, less than 525 um, less than 550 um, less than 575 um, less than 600 um, less than 625 um, less than 650 um, less than 675 um, less than 700 um, less than 725 um, less than 750 um, less than 775 um, less than 800 um, less than 825 um, less than 850 um, less than 875 um, less than 900 um, less than 925 um, less than 950 um, less than 975 um.

In another embodiment, LNPs may have a diameter from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, from about 1 nm to about 10 nm, about 1 nm to about 20 nm, from about 1 nm to about 30 nm, from about 1 nm to about 40 nm, from about 1 nm to about 50 nm, from about 1 nm to about 60 nm, from about 1 nm to about 70 nm, from about 1 nm to about 80 nm, from about 1 nm to about 90 nm, from about 5 nm to about from 100 nm, from about 5 nm to about 10 nm, about 5 nm to about 20 nm, from about 5 nm to about 30 nm, from about 5 nm to about 40 nm, from about 5 nm to about 50 nm, from about 5 nm to about 60 nm, from about 5 nm to about 70 nm, from about 5 nm to about 80 nm, from about 5 nm to about 90 nm, about 10 to about 50 nM, from about 20 to about 50 nm, from about 30 to about 50 nm, from about 40 to about 50 nm, from about 20 to about 60 nm, from about 30 to about 60 nm, from about 40 to about 60 nm, from about 20 to about 70 nm, from about 30 to about 70 nm, from about 40 to about 70 nm, from about 50 to about 70 nm, from about 60 to about 70 nm, from about 20 to about 80 nm, from about 30 to about 80 nm, from about 40 to about 80 nm, from about 50 to about 80 nm, from about 60 to about 80 nm, from about 20 to about 90 nm, from about 30 to about 90 nm, from about 40 to about 90 nm, from about 50 to about 90 nm, from about 60 to about 90 nm and/or from about 70 to about 90 nm. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

A nanoparticle composition may be relatively homogenous. A polydispersity index may be used to indicate the homogeneity of a nanoparticle composition, e.g., the particle size distribution of the nanoparticle compositions. A small (e.g., less than 0.3) polydispersity index generally indicates a narrow particle size distribution. A nanoparticle composition may have a polydispersity index from about 0 to about 0.25, such as 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, or 0.25. In some embodiments, the polydispersity index of a nanoparticle composition may be from about 0.10 to about 0.20. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The zeta potential of a nanoparticle composition may be used to indicate the electrokinetic potential of the composition. For example, the zeta potential may describe the surface charge of a nanoparticle composition. Nanoparticle compositions with relatively low charges, positive or negative, are generally desirable, as more highly charged species may interact undesirably with cells, tissues, and other elements in the body. In some embodiments, the zeta potential of a nanoparticle composition may be from about −10 mV to about +20 mV, from about −10 mV to about +15 mV, from about −10 mV to about +10 mV, from about −10 mV to about +5 mV, from about −10 mV to about 0 mV, from about −10 mV to about −5 mV, from about −5 mV to about +20 mV, from about −5 mV to about +15 mV, from about −5 mV to about +10 mV, from about −5 mV to about +5 mV, from about −5 mV to about 0 mV, from about 0 mV to about +20 mV, from about 0 mV to about +15 mV, from about 0 mV to about +10 mV, from about 0 mV to about +5 mV, from about +5 mV to about +20 mV, from about +5 mV to about +15 mV, or from about +5 mV to about +10 mV. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The efficiency of encapsulation of a therapeutic agent describes the amount of therapeutic agent that is encapsulated or otherwise associated with a nanoparticle composition after preparation, relative to the initial amount provided. The encapsulation efficiency is desirably high (e.g., close to 100%). The encapsulation efficiency may be measured, for example, by comparing the amount of therapeutic agent in a solution containing the nanoparticle composition before and after breaking up the nanoparticle composition with one or more organic solvents or detergents. Fluorescence may be used to measure the amount of free therapeutic agent (e.g., nucleic acids) in a solution. For the nanoparticle compositions described herein, the encapsulation efficiency of a therapeutic agent may be at least 50%, for example 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. In some embodiments, the encapsulation efficiency may be at least 80%. In certain embodiments, the encapsulation efficiency may be at least 90%. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle has a polydiversity value of less than 0.4. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle has a net neutral charge at a neutral pH. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle has a mean diameter of 50-200 nm.

The properties of a lipid nanoparticle formulation may be influenced by factors including, but not limited to, the selection of the cationic lipid component, the degree of cationic lipid saturation, the selection of the non-cationic lipid component, the degree of non-cationic lipid saturation, the selection of the structural lipid component, the nature of the PEGylation, ratio of all components and biophysical parameters such as size. The purity of a PEG lipid component is also important to an LNP's properties and performance.

In certain embodiments, when a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprises phospholipids and encapsulates an oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, or nucleic acid, the LNP has an N/P ratio. “N/P ratio” refers to the ratio of positively-charged polymer amines (e.g., nitrogens from phosphatidylcholine groups on phospholipids) in the nanoparticle (“N”) to phosphate groups in the oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, or nucleic acid agent (“P”). The N/P ratio of a LNP can influence many properties such as its net surface charge, size, stability, and in vivo activity. In certain embodiments, an LNP described herein has an N/P ratio from 1.0 to 10.0, inclusive. In certain embodiments, an LNP described herein has an N/P ratio of approximately 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is from 1.0 to 5.0, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is from 2.0 to 5.0, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is from 2.0 to 4.0, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is approximately 2.0, 2.1, 2.2., 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4.0. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio of from 2.5 to 3.5, inclusive. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is approximately 2.0. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is approximately 3.0. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is approximately 4.0. In certain embodiments, the N/P ratio is approximately 5.0.

Agents and Therapeutic Agents

This disclosure contemplates that the LNPs provided herein and/or the various combination therapies provided herein may be used to deliver a variety of agents to a subject. Such agents typically will be biologically active agents. Biologically active agents are agents that have an effect in vivo, and preferably a beneficial effect, such as desirable immune modulation, immune stimulation, immune inhibition, cell killing, cell preservation, modified gene expression, protein replacement, and the like. Biologically active agents include but are not limited to prophylactic agents, therapeutic agents, and diagnostic agents. Biologically active agents include immunomodulatory agents such as immunostimulatory or immunoinhibitory agents, antigens, antibodies and antibody fragments such as antigen-binding antibody fragments, adjuvants, cytokines such as interleukins, anti-bacterial agents, anti-viral agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-parasitic agents, anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and the like.

Such agents may be, without limitation, nucleic acids, proteins or peptide, small organic compounds, carbohydrates and/or polysaccharides, and the like. They may be used to express nucleic acids and/or proteins in cells, particularly in cells that are deficient in such nucleic acids or proteins or have mutated versions of such nucleic acids or proteins. They may be used to introduce and express nucleic acids or proteins that are not native to the cell or organism, as may be done for example in the context of an immunization or vaccination protocol. In this respect, the nucleic acid or protein may be foreign to the subject to whom it is administered (e.g., not naturally occurring in such subject, or not naturally occurring at all), and it is administered to the subject to induce and/or boost an immune response to such nucleic acid or protein. The nucleic acids provided herein may be used for such a purpose.

Other biologically active agents may be used alone or together with such nucleic acids or proteins, including formulated together with such nucleic acids or proteins, including formulated in the LNPs of this disclosure.

As used herein, the term “nucleic acid” refers to a compound comprising a nucleobase and an acidic moiety, e.g., a nucleoside, a nucleotide, or a polymer of nucleotides. Typically, polymeric nucleic acids, e.g., nucleic acid molecules comprising three or more nucleotides are linear molecules, in which adjacent nucleotides are linked to each other via a phosphodiester linkage. In some embodiments, “nucleic acid” refers to individual nucleic acid residues (e.g., nucleotides and/or nucleosides). In some embodiments, “nucleic acid” refers to an oligonucleotide chain comprising three or more individual nucleotide residues. As used herein, the terms “oligonucleotide” and “polynucleotide” can be used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of nucleotides (e.g., a string of at least three nucleotides). In some embodiments, “nucleic acid” encompasses RNA as well as single and/or double-stranded DNA. A nucleic acid sequence is presented in the 5′ to 3′ direction unless otherwise indicated.

Nucleic acids include any compound and/or substance that comprises a polymer of nucleotides. These polymers are referred to as polynucleotides. Nucleic acids may be or may include, for example, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), threose nucleic acids (TNAs), glycol nucleic acids (GNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs, including LNA having a β-D-ribo configuration, α-LNA having an α-L-ribo configuration (a diastereomer of LNA), 2′-amino-LNA having a 2′-amino functionalization, and 2′-amino-α-LNA having a 2′-amino functionalization), ethylene nucleic acids (ENA), cyclohexenyl nucleic acids (CeNA) or chimeras or combinations thereof.

Nucleic acids may be naturally occurring, for example, in the context of a genome, a transcript, an mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, siRNA, snRNA, plasmid, cosmid, chromosome, chromatid, or other naturally occurring nucleic acid molecule. On the other hand, a nucleic acid molecule may be a non-naturally occurring molecule, e.g., a recombinant DNA or RNA, an artificial chromosome, an engineered genome, or fragment thereof, or a synthetic DNA, RNA, DNA/RNA hybrid, or including non-naturally occurring nucleotides or nucleosides. Nucleic acids can be purified from natural sources, produced using recombinant expression systems and optionally purified, chemically synthesized, etc.

Furthermore, the terms “nucleic acid,” “DNA,” “RNA,” and/or similar terms include nucleic acid analogs, i.e., analogs having other than a phosphodiester backbone.

Where appropriate, e.g., in the case of chemically synthesized molecules, nucleic acids can comprise nucleoside analogs such as analogs having chemically modified bases or sugars, and backbone modifications. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises natural nucleosides (e.g., adenosine, thymidine, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, deoxyguanosine, and deoxycytidine); nucleoside analogs (e.g., 2-aminoadenosine, 2-thiothymidine, inosine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine, 3-methyl adenosine, 5-methylcytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, C5-bromouridine, C5-fluorouridine, C5-iodouridine, C5-propynyl-uridine, C5-propynyl-cytidine, C5-methyl cytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, 7-deazaadenosine, 7-deazaguanosine, 8-oxoadenosine, 8-oxoguanosine, 0(6)-methylguanine, and 2-thiocytidine); chemically modified bases; biologically modified bases (e.g., methylated bases); intercalated bases; modified sugars (e.g., 2′-fluororibose, ribose, 2′-deoxyribose, arabinose, and hexose); and/or modified phosphate groups (e.g., phosphorothioates and 5′-N-phosphoramidite linkages).

A “nucleoside” refers to a compound containing a sugar molecule (e.g., a pentose or ribose) or a derivative thereof in combination with an organic base (e.g., a purine or pyrimidine) or a derivative thereof (also referred to herein as “nucleobase”). A “nucleotide” refers to a nucleoside, including a phosphate group. Modified nucleotides may by synthesized by any useful method, such as, for example, chemically, enzymatically, or recombinantly, to include one or more modified or non-natural nucleosides. Polynucleotides may comprise a region or regions of linked nucleosides. Such regions may have variable backbone linkages. The linkages may be standard phosphodiester linkages, in which case the polynucleotides would comprise regions of nucleotides.

Modified nucleotide base pairing encompasses not only the standard adenosine-thymine, adenosine-uracil, or guanosine-cytosine base pairs, but also base pairs formed between nucleotides and/or modified nucleotides comprising non-standard or modified bases, wherein the arrangement of hydrogen bond donors and hydrogen bond acceptors permits hydrogen bonding between a non-standard base and a standard base or between two complementary non-standard base structures. One example of such non-standard base pairing is the base pairing between the modified nucleotide inosine and adenine, cytosine or uracil. Any combination of base/sugar or linker may be incorporated into polynucleotides of the present disclosure.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that, except where otherwise noted, polynucleotide sequences set forth in the instant application will recite “T”s in a representative DNA sequence but where the sequence represents RNA, the “T”s would be substituted for “U”s.

Modifications of polynucleotides (e.g., RNA polynucleotides, such as mRNA polynucleotides) that are useful in the therapeutic agents described herein include, but are not limited to, the following: 2-methylthio-N6-(cis-hydroxyisopentenyl)adenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-methyladenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-threonyl carbamoyladenosine; N6-glycinylcarbamoyladenosine; N6-isopentenyladenosine; N6-methyladenosine; N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine; 1,2′-O-dimethyl adenosine; 1-methyladenosine; 2′-O-methyladenosine; 2′-O-ribosyladenosine (phosphate); 2-methyladenosine; 2-methylthio-N6 isopentenyladenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-hydroxynorvalyl carbamoyl adenosine; 2′-O-methyladenosine; 2′-O-ribosyladenosine (phosphate); Isopentenyladenosine; N6-(cis-hydroxyisopentenyl)adenosine; N6,2′-O-dimethyl adenosine; N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine; N6,N6,2′-O-trimethyladenosine; N6,N6-dimethyl adenosine; N6-acetyladenosine; N6-hydroxynorvalylcarbamoyladenosine; N6-methyl-N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine; 2-methyladenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenosine; 7-deaza-adenosine; N1-methyl-adenosine; N6, N6 (dimethyl)adenine; N6-cis-hydroxy-isopentenyl-adenosine; α-thio-adenosine; 2 (amino)adenine; 2 (aminopropyl)adenine; 2 (methylthio) N6 (isopentenyl)adenine; 2-(alkyl)adenine; 2-(aminoalkyl)adenine; 2-(aminopropyl)adenine; 2-(halo)adenine; 2-(halo)adenine; 2-(propyl)adenine; 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-ATP; 2′-Azido-2′-deoxy-ATP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-aminoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-azidoadenosine TP; 6 (alkyl)adenine; 6 (methyl)adenine; 6-(alkyl)adenine; 6-(methyl)adenine; 7 (deaza)adenine; 8 (alkenyl)adenine; 8 (alkynyl)adenine; 8 (amino)adenine; 8 (thioalkyl)adenine; 8-(alkenyl)adenine; 8-(alkyl)adenine; 8-(alkynyl)adenine; 8-(amino)adenine; 8-(halo)adenine; 8-(hydroxyl)adenine; 8-(thioalkyl)adenine; 8-(thiol)adenine; 8-azido-adenosine; aza adenine; deaza adenine; N6 (methyl)adenine; N6-(isopentyl)adenine; 7-deaza-8-aza-adenosine; 7-methyladenine; 1-Deazaadenosine TP; 2′Fluoro-N6-Bz-deoxyadenosine TP; 2′-OMe-2-Amino-ATP; 2′O-methyl-N6-Bz-deoxyadenosine TP; 2′-a-Ethynyl adenosine TP; 2-aminoadenine; 2-Aminoadenosine TP; 2-Amino-ATP; 2′-a-Trifluoromethyl adenosine TP; 2-Azidoadenosine TP; 2′-b-Ethynyladenosine TP; 2-Bromoadenosine TP; 2′-b-Trifluoromethyl adenosine TP; 2-Chloroadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′,2′-difluoroadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-mercaptoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-α-thiomethoxyadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-aminoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-azidoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-bromoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-chloroadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-fluoroadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-iodoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-mercaptoadenosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-thiomethoxyadenosine TP; 2-Fluoroadenosine TP; 2-Iodoadenosine TP; 2-Mercaptoadenosine TP; 2-methoxy-adenine; 2-methylthio-adenine; 2-Trifluoromethyl adenosine TP; 3-Deaza-3-bromoadenosine TP; 3-Deaza-3-chloroadenosine TP; 3-Deaza-3-fluoroadenosine TP; 3-Deaza-3-iodoadenosine TP; 3-Deazaadenosine TP; 4′-Azidoadenosine TP; 4′-Carbocyclic adenosine TP; 4′-Ethynyladenosine TP; 5′-Homo-adenosine TP; 8-Aza-ATP; 8-bromo-adenosine TP; 8-Trifluoromethyladenosine TP; 9-Deazaadenosine TP; 2-aminopurine; 7-deaza-2,6-diaminopurine; 7-deaza-8-aza-2,6-diaminopurine; 7-deaza-8-aza-2-aminopurine; 2,6-diaminopurine; 7-deaza-8-aza-adenine, 7-deaza-2-aminopurine; 2-thiocytidine; 3-methylcytidine; 5-formylcytidine; 5-hydroxymethylcytidine; 5-methylcytidine; N4-acetylcytidine; 2′-O-methyl cytidine; 2′-O-methylcytidine; 5,2′-O-dimethylcytidine; 5-formyl-2′-O-methylcytidine; Lysidine; N4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine; N4-acetyl-2′-O-methylcytidine; N4-methylcytidine; N4,N4-Dimethyl-2′-OMe-Cytidine TP; 4-methylcytidine; 5-aza-cytidine; Pseudo-iso-cytidine; pyrrolo-cytidine; α-thio-cytidine; 2-(thio)cytosine; 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-CTP; 2′-Azido-2′-deoxy-CTP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-aminocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-azidocytidine TP; 3 (deaza) 5 (aza)cytosine; 3 (methyl)cytosine; 3-(alkyl)cytosine; 3-(deaza) 5 (aza)cytosine; 3-(methyl)cytidine; 4,2′-O-dimethylcytidine; 5 (halo)cytosine; 5 (methyl)cytosine; 5 (propynyl)cytosine; 5 (trifluoromethyl)cytosine; 5-(alkyl)cytosine; 5-(alkynyl)cytosine; 5-(halo)cytosine; 5-(propynyl)cytosine; 5-(trifluoromethyl)cytosine; 5-bromo-cytidine; 5-iodo-cytidine; 5-propynyl cytosine; 6-(azo)cytosine; 6-aza-cytidine; aza cytosine; deaza cytosine; N4 (acetyl)cytosine; 1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudoisocytidine; 1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine; 2-methoxy-5-methyl-cytidine; 2-methoxy-cytidine; 2-thio-5-methyl-cytidine; 4-methoxy-1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine; 4-methoxy-pseudoisocytidine; 4-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudoisocytidine; 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine; 4-thio-pseudoisocytidine; 5-aza-zebularine; 5-methyl-zebularine; pyrrolo-pseudoisocytidine; Zebularine; (E)-5-(2-Bromo-vinyl)cytidine TP; 2,2′-anhydro-cytidine TP hydrochloride; 2′Fluor-N4-Bz-cytidine TP; 2′Fluoro-N4-Acetyl-cytidine TP; 2′-O-Methyl-N4-Acetyl-cytidine TP; 2′O-methyl-N4-Bz-cytidine TP; 2′-a-Ethynylcytidine TP; 2′-a-Trifluoromethylcytidine TP; 2′-b-Ethynylcytidine TP; 2′-b-Trifluoromethylcytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′,2′-difluorocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-mercaptocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-thiomethoxycytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-aminocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-azidocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-bromocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-chlorocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-fluorocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-iodocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-mercaptocytidine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-thiomethoxycytidine TP; 2′-O-Methyl-5-(1-propynyl)cytidine TP; 3′-Ethynylcytidine TP; 4′-Azidocytidine TP; 4′-Carbocyclic cytidine TP; 4′-Ethynylcytidine TP; 5-(1-Propynyl)ara-cytidine TP; 5-(2-Chloro-phenyl)-2-thiocytidine TP; 5-(4-Amino-phenyl)-2-thiocytidine TP; 5-Aminoallyl-CTP; 5-Cyanocytidine TP; 5-Ethynylara-cytidine TP; 5-Ethynylcytidine TP; 5′-Homo-cytidine TP; 5-Methoxycytidine TP; 5-Trifluoromethyl-Cytidine TP; N4-Amino-cytidine TP; N4-Benzoyl-cytidine TP; Pseudoisocytidine; 7-methylguanosine; N2,2′-O-dimethylguanosine; N2-methylguanosine; Wyosine; 1,2′-O-dimethylguanosine; 1-methylguanosine; 2′-O-methylguanosine; 2′-O-ribosylguanosine (phosphate); 2′-O-methylguanosine; 2′-O-ribosylguanosine (phosphate); 7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanosine; 7-cyano-7-deazaguanosine; Archaeosine; Methylwyosine; N2,7-dimethylguanosine; N2,N2,2′-O-trimethylguanosine; N2,N2,7-trimethylguanosine; N2,N2-dimethylguanosine; N2,7,2′-O-trimethylguanosine; 6-thio-guanosine; 7-deaza-guanosine; 8-oxo-guanosine; Ni-methyl-guanosine; α-thio-guanosine; 2 (propyl)guanine; 2-(alkyl)guanine; 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-GTP; 2′-Azido-2′-deoxy-GTP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-aminoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-azidoguanosine TP; 6 (methyl)guanine; 6-(alkyl)guanine; 6-(methyl)guanine; 6-methyl-guanosine; 7 (alkyl)guanine; 7 (deaza)guanine; 7 (methyl)guanine; 7-(alkyl)guanine; 7-(deaza)guanine; 7-(methyl)guanine; 8 (alkyl)guanine; 8 (alkynyl)guanine; 8 (halo)guanine; 8 (thioalkyl)guanine; 8-(alkenyl)guanine; 8-(alkyl)guanine; 8-(alkynyl)guanine; 8-(amino)guanine; 8-(halo)guanine; 8-(hydroxyl)guanine; 8-(thioalkyl)guanine; 8-(thiol)guanine; aza guanine; deaza guanine; N (methyl)guanine; N-(methyl)guanine; 1-methyl-6-thio-guanosine; 6-methoxy-guanosine; 6-thio-7-deaza-8-aza-guanosine; 6-thio-7-deaza-guanosine; 6-thio-7-methyl-guanosine; 7-deaza-8-aza-guanosine; 7-methyl-8-oxo-guanosine; N2,N2-dimethyl-6-thio-guanosine; N2-methyl-6-thio-guanosine; 1-Me-GTP; 2′Fluoro-N2-isobutyl-guanosine TP; 2′O-methyl-N2-isobutyl-guanosine TP; 2′-a-Ethynylguanosine TP; 2′-a-Trifluoromethylguanosine TP; 2′-b-Ethynylguanosine TP; 2′-b-Trifluoromethylguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′,2′-difluoroguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-mercaptoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-thiomethoxyguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-aminoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-azidoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-bromoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-chloroguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-fluoroguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-iodoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-mercaptoguanosine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-thiomethoxyguanosine TP; 4′-Azidoguanosine TP; 4′-Carbocyclic guanosine TP; 4′-Ethynylguanosine TP; 5′-Homo-guanosine TP; 8-bromo-guanosine TP; 9-Deazaguanosine TP; N2-isobutyl-guanosine TP; 1-methylinosine; Inosine; 1,2′-O-dimethylinosine; 2′-O-methylinosine; 7-methylinosine; 2′-O-methylinosine; Epoxyqueuosine; galactosyl-queuosine; Mannosylqueuosine; Queuosine; allyamino-thymidine; aza thymidine; deaza thymidine; deoxy-thymidine; 2′-O-methyluridine; 2-thiouridine; 3-methyluridine; 5-carboxymethyluridine; 5-hydroxyuridine; 5-methyluridine; 5-taurinomethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-taurinomethyluridine; Dihydrouridine; Pseudouridine; (3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uridine; 1-methyl-3-(3-amino-5-carboxypropyl)pseudouridine; 1-methylpseduouridine; 1-methyl-pseudouridine; 2′-O-methyluridine; 2′-O-methylpseudouridine; 2′-O-methyluridine; 2-thio-2′-O-methyluridine; 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uridine; 3,2′-O-dimethyluridine; 3-Methyl-pseudo-Uridine TP; 4-thiouridine; 5-(carboxyhydroxymethyl)uridine; 5-(carboxyhydroxymethyl)uridine methyl ester; 5,2′-O-dimethyluridine; 5,6-dihydro-uridine; 5-aminomethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-carbamoylmethyl-2′-O-methyluridine; 5-carbamoylmethyluridine; 5-carboxyhydroxymethyluridine; 5-carboxyhydroxymethyluridine methyl ester; 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2′-O-methyluridine; 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluridine; 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluridine; 5-Carbamoylmethyluridine TP; 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2′-O-methyluridine; 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine; 5-methyluridine), 5-methoxyuridine; 5-methyl-2-thiouridine; 5-methylaminomethyl-2-selenouridine; 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine; 5-methylaminomethyluridine; 5-Methyldihydrouridine; 5-Oxyacetic acid-Uridine TP; 5-Oxyacetic acid-methyl ester-Uridine TP; N1-methyl-pseudo-uridine; uridine 5-oxyacetic acid; uridine 5-oxyacetic acid methyl ester; 3-(3-Amino-3-carboxypropyl)-Uridine TP; 5-(iso-Pentenylaminomethyl)-2-thiouridine TP; 5-(iso-Pentenylaminomethyl)-2′-O-methyluridine TP; 5-(iso-Pentenylaminomethyl)uridine TP; 5-propynyl uracil; α-thio-uridine; 1 (aminoalkylamino-carbonylethylenyl)-2(thio)-pseudouracil; 1 (aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil; 1 (aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil; 1 (aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-pseudouracil; 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-2(thio)-pseudouracil; 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil; 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil; 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-pseudouracil; 1 substituted 2(thio)-pseudouracil; 1 substituted 2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil; 1 substituted 4 (thio)pseudouracil; 1 substituted pseudouracil; 1-(aminoalkylamino-carbonylethylenyl)-2-(thio)-pseudouracil; 1-Methyl-3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl) pseudouridine TP; 1-Methyl-3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-pseudo-UTP; 2 (thio)pseudouracil; 2′ deoxy uridine; 2′ fluorouridine; 2-(thio)uracil; 2,4-(dithio)psuedouracil; 2′methyl, 2′ amino, 2′ azido, 2′fluro-guanosine; 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-UTP; 2′-Azido-2′-deoxy-UTP; 2′-Azido-deoxyuridine TP; 2′-O-methylpseudouridine; 2′ deoxy uridine; 2′ fluorouridine; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-aminouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-azidouridine TP; 2-methylpseudouridine; 3 (3 amino-3 carboxypropyl)uracil; 4 (thio)pseudouracil; 4-(thio)pseudouracil; 4-(thio)uracil; 4-thiouracil; 5 (1,3-diazole-1-alkyl)uracil; 5 (2-aminopropyl)uracil; 5 (aminoalkyl)uracil; 5 (dimethylaminoalkyl)uracil; 5 (guanidiniumalkyl)uracil; 5 (methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-(thio)uracil; 5 (methoxycarbonyl-methyl)uracil; 5 (methyl) 2 (thio)uracil; 5 (methyl) 2,4 (dithio)uracil; 5 (methyl) 4 (thio)uracil; 5 (methylaminomethyl)-2 (thio)uracil; 5 (methylaminomethyl)-2,4 (dithio)uracil; 5 (methylaminomethyl)-4 (thio)uracil; 5 (propynyl)uracil; 5 (trifluoromethyl)uracil; 5-(2-aminopropyl)uracil; 5-(alkyl)-2-(thio)pseudouracil; 5-(alkyl)-2,4 (dithio)pseudouracil; 5-(alkyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil; 5-(alkyl)pseudouracil; 5-(alkyl)uracil; 5-(alkynyl)uracil; 5-(allylamino)uracil; 5-(cyanoalkyl)uracil; 5-(dialkylaminoalkyl)uracil; 5-(dimethylaminoalkyl)uracil; 5-(guanidiniumalkyl)uracil; 5-(halo)uracil; 5-(1,3-diazole-1-alkyl)uracil; 5-(methoxy)uracil; 5-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-(thio)uracil; 5-(methoxycarbonyl-methyl)uracil; 5-(methyl) 2(thio)uracil; 5-(methyl) 2,4 (dithio)uracil; 5-(methyl) 4 (thio)uracil; 5-(methyl)-2-(thio)pseudouracil; 5-(methyl)-2,4 (dithio)pseudouracil; 5-(methyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil; 5-(methyl)pseudouracil; 5-(methylaminomethyl)-2 (thio)uracil; 5-(methylaminomethyl)-2,4(dithio)uracil; 5-(methylaminomethyl)-4-(thio)uracil; 5-(propynyl)uracil; 5-(trifluoromethyl)uracil; 5-aminoallyl-uridine; 5-bromo-uridine; 5-iodo-uridine; 5-uracil; 6 (azo)uracil; 6-(azo)uracil; 6-aza-uridine; allyamino-uracil; aza uracil; deaza uracil; N3 (methyl)uracil; Pseudo-UTP-1-2-ethanoic acid; Pseudouracil; 4-Thio-pseudo-UTP; 1-carboxymethyl-pseudouridine; 1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine; 1-propynyl-uridine; 1-taurinomethyl-1-methyl-uridine; 1-taurinomethyl-4-thio-uridine; 1-taurinomethyl-pseudouridine; 2-methoxy-4-thio-pseudouridine; 2-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine; 2-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine; 2-thio-5-aza-uridine; 2-thio-dihydropseudouridine; 2-thio-dihydrouridine; 2-thio-pseudouridine; 4-methoxy-2-thio-pseudouridine; 4-methoxy-pseudouridine; 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine; 4-thio-pseudouridine; 5-aza-uridine; Dihydropseudouridine; (±) 1-(2-Hydroxypropyl)pseudouridine TP; (2R)-1-(2-Hydroxypropyl)pseudouridine TP; (2S)-1-(2-Hydroxypropyl)pseudouridine TP; (E)-5-(2-Bromo-vinyl)ara-uridine TP; (E)-5-(2-Bromo-vinyl)uridine TP; (Z)-5-(2-Bromo-vinyl)ara-uridine TP; (Z)-5-(2-Bromo-vinyl)uridine TP; 1-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)-pseudo-UTP; 1-(2,2,3,3,3-Pentafluoropropyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(2,4,6-Trimethylbenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(2,4,6-Trimethyl-benzyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(2,4,6-Trimethyl-phenyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(2-Amino-2-carboxyethyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(2-Amino-ethyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(2-Methoxyethyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(3,4-Bis-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(3-Amino-3-carboxypropyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(3-Amino-propyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(3-Cyclopropyl-prop-2-ynyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Amino-4-carboxybutyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Amino-benzyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Amino-butyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Amino-phenyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Azidobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Bromobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Fluorobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Iodobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Methanesulfonylbenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Methoxy-benzyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Methylbenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Methyl-benzyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Nitrobenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Nitro-benzyl)pseudo-UTP; 1(4-Nitro-phenyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(4-Thiomethoxybenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(4-Trifluoromethylbenzyl)pseudouridine TP; 1-(5-Amino-pentyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-(6-Amino-hexyl)pseudo-UTP; 1,6-Dimethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-[3-(2-{2-[2-(2-Aminoethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-propionyl]pseudouridine TP; 1-{3-[2-(2-Aminoethoxy)-ethoxy]-propionyl}pseudouridine TP; 1-Acetylpseudouridine TP; 1-Alkyl-6-(1-propynyl)-pseudo-UTP; 1-Alkyl-6-(2-propynyl)-pseudo-UTP; 1-Alkyl-6-allyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Alkyl-6-ethynyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Alkyl-6-homoallyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Alkyl-6-vinyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Allylpseudouridine TP; 1-Aminomethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Benzoylpseudouridine TP; 1-Benzyloxymethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Benzyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Biotinyl-PEG2-pseudouridine TP; 1-Biotinylpseudouridine TP; 1-Butyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyanomethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Cyclobutylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclobutyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cycloheptylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cycloheptyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclohexylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclohexyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclooctylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclooctyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclopentylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclopentyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclopropylmethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Cyclopropyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Ethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Hexyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Homoallylpseudouridine TP; 1-Hydroxymethylpseudouridine TP; 1-iso-propyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Me-2-thio-pseudo-UTP; 1-Me-4-thio-pseudo-UTP; 1-Me-alpha-thio-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methanesulfonylmethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Methoxymethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Methyl-6-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-(4-morpholino)-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-(4-thiomorpholino)-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-(substituted phenyl)pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-amino-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-azido-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-bromo-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-butyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-chloro-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-cyano-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-dimethylamino-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-ethoxy-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-ethylcarboxylate-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-ethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-fluoro-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-formyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-hydroxyamino-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-hydroxy-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-iodo-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-iso-propyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-methoxy-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-methylamino-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-phenyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-propyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-tert-butyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-trifluoromethoxy-pseudo-UTP; 1-Methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Morpholinomethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Pentyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Phenyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Pivaloylpseudouridine TP; 1-Propargylpseudouridine TP; 1-Propyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-propynyl-pseudouridine; 1-p-tolyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-tert-Butyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Thiomethoxymethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Thiomorpholinomethylpseudouridine TP; 1-Trifluoroacetylpseudouridine TP; 1-Trifluoromethyl-pseudo-UTP; 1-Vinylpseudouridine TP; 2,2′-anhydro-uridine TP; 2′-bromo-deoxyuridine TP; 2′-F-5-Methyl-2′-deoxy-UTP; 2′-OMe-5-Me-UTP; 2′-OMe-pseudo-UTP; 2′-a-Ethynyluridine TP; 2′-a-Trifluoromethyluridine TP; 2′-b-Ethynyluridine TP; 2′-b-Trifluoromethyluridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′,2′-difluorouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-mercaptouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-a-thiomethoxyuridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-aminouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-azidouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-bromouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-chlorouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-fluorouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-iodouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-mercaptouridine TP; 2′-Deoxy-2′-b-thiomethoxyuridine TP; 2-methoxy-4-thio-uridine; 2-methoxyuridine; 2′-O-Methyl-5-(1-propynyl)uridine TP; 3-Alkyl-pseudo-UTP; 4′-Azidouridine TP; 4′-Carbocyclic uridine TP; 4′-Ethynyluridine TP; 5-(1-Propynyl)ara-uridine TP; 5-(2-Furanyl)uridine TP; 5-Cyanouridine TP; 5-Dimethylaminouridine TP; 5′-Homo-uridine TP; 5-iodo-2′-fluoro-deoxyuridine TP; 5-Phenylethynyluridine TP; 5-Trideuteromethyl-6-deuterouridine TP; 5-Trifluoromethyl-Uridine TP; 5-Vinylarauridine TP; 6-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl)-pseudo-UTP; 6-(4-Morpholino)-pseudo-UTP; 6-(4-Thiomorpholino)-pseudo-UTP; 6-(Substituted-Phenyl)-pseudo-UTP; 6-Amino-pseudo-UTP; 6-Azido-pseudo-UTP; 6-Bromo-pseudo-UTP; 6-Butyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Chloro-pseudo-UTP; 6-Cyano-pseudo-UTP; 6-Dimethylamino-pseudo-UTP; 6-Ethoxy-pseudo-UTP; 6-Ethylcarboxylate-pseudo-UTP; 6-Ethyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Fluoro-pseudo-UTP; 6-Formyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Hydroxyamino-pseudo-UTP; 6-Hydroxy-pseudo-UTP; 6-Iodo-pseudo-UTP; 6-iso-Propyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Methoxy-pseudo-UTP; 6-Methylamino-pseudo-UTP; 6-Methyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Phenyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Phenyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Propyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-tert-Butyl-pseudo-UTP; 6-Trifluoromethoxy-pseudo-UTP; 6-Trifluoromethyl-pseudo-UTP; Alpha-thio-pseudo-UTP; Pseudouridine 1-(4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid) TP; Pseudouridine 1-(4-methylbenzoic acid) TP; Pseudouridine TP 1-[3-(2-ethoxy)]propionic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-[3-{2-(2-[2-(2-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy)-ethoxy}]propionic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-[3-{2-(2-[2-{2(2-ethoxy)-ethoxy}-ethoxy]-ethoxy)-ethoxy}]propionic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-[3-{2-(2-[2-ethoxy]-ethoxy)-ethoxy}]propionic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-[3-{2-(2-ethoxy)-ethoxy}] propionic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-methylphosphonic acid; Pseudouridine TP 1-methylphosphonic acid diethyl ester; Pseudo-UTP-N1-3-propionic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-4-butanoic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-5-pentanoic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-6-hexanoic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-7-heptanoic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-methyl-p-benzoic acid; Pseudo-UTP-N1-p-benzoic acid; Wybutosine; Hydroxywybutosine; Isowyosine; Peroxywybutosine; undermodified hydroxywybutosine; 4-demethylwyosine; 2,6-(diamino)purine; 1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl: 1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl; 1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 1,3,5-(triaza)-2,6-(dioxa)-naphthalene; 2 (amino)purine; 2,4,5-(trimethyl)phenyl; 2′methyl, 2′amino, 2′azido, 2′fluro-cytidine; 2′methyl, 2′amino, 2′azido, 2′fluro-adenine; 2′methyl, 2′amino, 2′azido, 2′fluro-uridine; 2′-amino-2′-deoxyribose; 2-amino-6-Chloro-purine; 2-aza-inosinyl; 2′-azido-2′-deoxyribose; 2′fluoro-2′-deoxyribose; 2′-fluoro-modified bases; 2′-O-methyl-ribose; 2-oxo-7-aminopyridopyrimidin-3-yl; 2-oxo-pyridopyrimidine-3-yl; 2-pyridinone; 3 nitropyrrole; 3-(methyl)-7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl; 3-(methyl)isocarbostyrilyl; 4-(fluoro)-6-(methyl)benzimidazole; 4-(methyl)benzimidazole; 4-(methyl)indolyl; 4,6-(dimethyl)indolyl; 5 nitroindole; 5 substituted pyrimidines; 5-(methyl)isocarbostyrilyl; 5-nitroindole; 6-(aza)pyrimidine; 6-(azo)thymine; 6-(methyl)-7-(aza)indolyl; 6-chloro-purine; 6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl; 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl; 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(aza)indolyl; 7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazinl-yl; 7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl; 7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(guanidiniumalkyl-hydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl; 7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl; 7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl, propynyl-7-(aza)indolyl; 7-deaza-inosinyl; 7-substituted 1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 7-substituted 1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl; 9-(methyl)-imidizopyridinyl; Aminoindolyl; Anthracenyl; bis-ortho-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; bis-ortho-substituted-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; Difluorotolyl; Hypoxanthine; Imidizopyridinyl; Inosinyl; Isocarbostyrilyl; Isoguanisine; N2-substituted purines; N6-methyl-2-amino-purine; N6-substituted purines; N-alkylated derivative; Napthalenyl; Nitrobenzimidazolyl; Nitroimidazolyl; Nitroindazolyl; Nitropyrazolyl; Nubularine; 06-substituted purines; O-alkylated derivative; ortho-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; ortho-substituted-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; Oxoformycin TP; para-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; para-substituted-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; Pentacenyl; Phenanthracenyl; Phenyl; propynyl-7-(aza)indolyl; Pyrenyl; pyridopyrimidin-3-yl; pyridopyrimidin-3-yl, 2-oxo-7-amino-pyridopyrimidin-3-yl; pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl; Pyrrolopyrimidinyl; Pyrrolopyrizinyl; Stilbenzyl; substituted 1,2,4-triazoles; Tetracenyl; Tubercidine; Xanthine; Xanthosine-5′-TP; 2-thio-zebularine; 5-aza-2-thio-zebularine; 7-deaza-2-amino-purine; pyridin-4-one ribonucleoside; 2-Amino-riboside-TP; Formycin A TP; Formycin B TP; Pyrrolosine TP; 2′-OH-ara-adenosine TP; 2′-OH-ara-cytidine TP; 2′-OH-ara-uridine TP; 2′-OH-ara-guanosine TP; 5-(2-carbomethoxyvinyl)uridine TP; and N6-(19-Amino-pentaoxanonadecyl)adenosine TP.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) includes a combination of at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) of the aforementioned modified nucleobases.

In some embodiments, modified nucleobases in the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) are selected from the group consisting of pseudouridine (w), N1-methylpseudouridine (m1ψ), N1-ethylpseudouridine, 2-thiouridine, 4′-thiouridine, 5-methylcytosine, 2-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine, 2-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 2-thio-5-aza-uridine, 2-thio-dihydropseudouridine, 2-thio-dihydrouridine, 2-thio-pseudouridine, 4-methoxy-2-thio-pseudouridine, 4-methoxy-pseudouridine, 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 4-thio-pseudouridine, 5-aza-uridine, dihydropseudouridine, 5-methyluridine), 5-methoxyuridine and 2′-O-methyl uridine. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) includes a combination of at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) of the aforementioned modified nucleobases. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, modified nucleobases in the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) are selected from the group consisting of 1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ), 5-methoxy-uridine (mo5U), 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C), pseudouridine (ψ), α-thio-guanosine and α-thio-adenosine. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide includes a combination of at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) of the aforementioned modified nucleobases. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises pseudouridine (w) and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ) and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 2-thiouridine (s2U). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 2-thiouridine and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises methoxy-uridine (mo5U). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 5-methoxy-uridine (mo5U) and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 2′-O-methyl uridine. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises 2′-O-methyl uridine and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) comprises N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) and 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotide, such as mRNA polynucleotide) is uniformly modified (e.g., fully modified, modified throughout the entire sequence) for a particular modification. For example, a polynucleotide can be uniformly modified with 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C), meaning that all cytosine residues in the mRNA sequence are replaced with 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C). Similarly, a polynucleotide can be uniformly modified for any type of nucleoside residue present in the sequence by replacement with a modified residue such as any of those set forth above. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the modified nucleobase is a modified cytosine. Examples of nucleobases and nucleosides having a modified cytosine include N4-acetyl-cytidine (ac4C), 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C), 5-halo-cytidine (e.g., 5-iodo-cytidine), 5-hydroxymethyl-cytidine (hm5C), 1-methyl-pseudoisocytidine, 2-thio-cytidine (s2C), 2-thio-5-methyl-cytidine.

In some embodiments, a modified nucleobase is a modified uridine. Example nucleobases and nucleosides having a modified uridine include 5-cyano uridine or 4′-thio uridine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a modified nucleobase is a modified adenine. Example nucleobases and nucleosides having a modified adenine include 7-deaza-adenine, 1-methyl-adenosine (m1A), 2-methyl-adenine (m2A), N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A), and 2,6-Diaminopurine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a modified nucleobase is a modified guanine. Example nucleobases and nucleosides having a modified guanine include inosine (I), 1-methyl-inosine (m1I), wyosine (imG), methylwyosine (mimG), 7-deaza-guanosine, 7-cyano-7-deaza-guanosine (preQ0), 7-aminomethyl-7-deaza-guanosine (preQ1), 7-methyl-guanosine (m7G), 1-methyl-guanosine (m1G), 8-oxo-guanosine, 7-methyl-8-oxo-guanosine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides function as messenger RNA (mRNA). “Messenger RNA” (mRNA) refers to any polynucleotide that encodes a (at least one) polypeptide (a naturally-occurring, non-naturally-occurring, or modified polymer of amino acids) and can be translated to produce the encoded polypeptide in vitro, in vivo, in situ or ex vivo. The basic components of an mRNA molecule typically include at least one coding region, a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), a 3′ UTR, a 5′ cap and a poly-A tail. Polynucleotides may function as mRNA but can be distinguished from wild-type mRNA in their functional and/or structural design features which serve to overcome existing problems of effective polypeptide expression using nucleic-acid based therapeutics.

The mRNA, as provided herein, comprises at least one (one or more) ribonucleic acid (RNA) polynucleotide having an open reading frame encoding at least one polypeptide of interest. In some embodiments, a RNA polynucleotide of an mRNA encodes 2-10, 2-9, 2-8, 2-7, 2-6, 2-5, 2-4, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, 3-8, 3-7, 3-6, 3-5, 3-4, 4-10, 4-9, 4-8, 4-7, 4-6, 4-5, 5-10, 5-9, 5-8, 5-7, 5-6, 6-10, 6-9, 6-8, 6-7, 7-10, 7-9, 7-8, 8-10, 8-9 or 9-10 polypeptides. In some embodiments, a RNA polynucleotide of an mRNA encodes at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 polypeptides. In some embodiments, a RNA polynucleotide of an mRNA encodes at least 100 or at least 200 polypeptides.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acids are therapeutic mRNAs. As used herein, the term “therapeutic mRNA” refers to an mRNA that encodes a therapeutic protein. Therapeutic proteins mediate a variety of effects in a host cell or a subject in order to treat a disease or ameliorate the signs and symptoms of a disease. For example, a therapeutic protein can replace a protein that is deficient or abnormal, augment the function of an endogenous protein, provide a novel function to a cell (e.g., inhibit or activate an endogenous cellular activity, or act as a delivery agent for another therapeutic compound (e.g., an antibody-drug conjugate). Therapeutic mRNA may be useful for the treatment of the following diseases and conditions: bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, cell proliferation disorders, genetic disorders, and autoimmune disorders.

Thus, the structures of the invention can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. They are provided for use in medicine. For example, the mRNA of the structures described herein can be administered to a subject, wherein the polynucleotides are translated in vivo to produce a therapeutic peptide. Provided are compositions, methods, kits, and reagents for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in humans and other mammals. The active therapeutic agents of the invention include the structures, cells containing structures or polypeptides translated from the polynucleotides contained in the structures.

The structures may be induced for translation in a cell, tissue, or organism. Such translation can be in vivo, ex vivo, in culture, or in vitro. The cell, tissue, or organism is contacted with an effective amount of a composition which contains the mRNA polynucleotides, each of which has at least one translatable region encoding a peptide.

An “effective amount” of the structures are provided based, at least in part, on the target tissue, target cell type, means of administration, physical characteristics of the polynucleotide (e.g., size, and extent of modified nucleosides) and other components of the nucleic acids, and other determinants. In general, an effective amount of the nucleic acids provides an induced or boosted peptide production in the cell.

The mRNA of the present invention may be designed to encode polypeptides of interest selected from any of several target categories including, but not limited to, biologics, antibodies, vaccines, therapeutic proteins or peptides, cell penetrating peptides, secreted proteins, plasma membrane proteins, cytoplasmic or cytoskeletal proteins, intracellular membrane bound proteins, nuclear proteins, proteins associated with human disease, targeting moieties or those proteins encoded by the human genome for which no therapeutic indication has been identified but which nonetheless have utility in areas of research and discovery. “Therapeutic protein” refers to a protein that, when administered to a cell has a therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic effect and/or elicits a desired biological and/or pharmacological effect.

The mRNA disclosed herein, may encode one or more biologics. As used herein, a “biologic” is a polypeptide-based molecule produced by the methods provided herein and which may be used to treat, cure, mitigate, prevent, or diagnose a serious or life-threatening disease or medical condition. Biologics, according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, allergenic extracts (e.g., for allergy shots and tests), blood components, gene therapy products, human tissue or cellular products used in transplantation, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, growth factors, enzymes, thrombolytics, and immunomodulators, among others.

According to the present invention, one or more biologics currently being marketed or in development may be encoded by the mRNA of the present invention. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that incorporation of the encoding polynucleotides of a known biologic into the mRNA of the invention will result in improved therapeutic efficacy due at least in part to the specificity, purity and/or selectivity of the construct designs.

The mRNA disclosed herein, may encode one or more antibodies or fragments thereof. The term “antibody” includes monoclonal antibodies (including full length antibodies which have an immunoglobulin Fc region), antibody compositions with polyepitopic specificity, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies, diabodies, and single-chain molecules), as well as antibody fragments. The term “immunoglobulin” (Ig) is used interchangeably with “antibody” herein. As used herein, the term “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations and/or post-translation modifications (e.g., isomerizations, amidations) that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site.

The monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include “chimeric” antibodies (immunoglobulins) in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is(are) identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity. Chimeric antibodies of interest herein include, but are not limited to, “primatized” antibodies comprising variable domain antigen-binding sequences derived from a non-human primate (e.g., Old World Monkey, Ape etc.) and human constant region sequences.

An “antibody fragment” comprises a portion of an intact antibody, preferably the antigen binding and/or the variable region of the intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2 and Fv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; nanobodies; single-chain antibody molecules and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.

Any of the five classes of immunoglobulins, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM, may be encoded by the mRNA of the invention, including the heavy chains designated alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma and mu, respectively. Also included are polynucleotide sequences encoding the subclasses, gamma and mu. Hence any of the subclasses of antibodies may be encoded in part or in whole and include the following subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2. According to the present invention, one or more antibodies or fragments currently being marketed or in development may be encoded by the mRNA of the present invention.

Antibodies encoded in the mRNA of the invention may be utilized to treat conditions or diseases in many therapeutic areas such as, but not limited to, blood, cardiovascular, CNS, poisoning (including antivenoms), dermatology, endocrinology, gastrointestinal, medical imaging, musculoskeletal, oncology, immunology, respiratory, sensory and anti-infective.

In one embodiment, mRNA disclosed herein may encode monoclonal antibodies and/or variants thereof. Variants of antibodies may also include, but are not limited to, substitutional variants, conservative amino acid substitution, insertional variants, deletional variants and/or covalent derivatives. In one embodiment, the mRNA disclosed herein may encode an immunoglobulin Fc region. In another embodiment, the mRNA may encode a variant immunoglobulin Fc region.

The mRNA disclosed herein, may encode one or more vaccine antigens. As used herein, a “vaccine antigen” is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease or infectious agent. According to the present invention, one or more vaccine antigens currently being marketed or in development may be encoded by the mRNA of the present invention. Vaccine antigens encoded in the mRNA of the invention may be utilized to treat conditions or diseases in many therapeutic areas such as, but not limited to, cancer, allergy and infectious disease.

The mRNA of the present invention may be designed to encode on or more antimicrobial peptides (AMP) or antiviral peptides (AVP). AMPs and AVPs have been isolated and described from a wide range of animals such as, but not limited to, microorganisms, invertebrates, plants, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals. The anti-microbial polypeptides described herein may block cell fusion and/or viral entry by one or more enveloped viruses (e.g., HIV, HCV). For example, the anti-microbial polypeptide can comprise or consist of a synthetic peptide corresponding to a region, e.g., a consecutive sequence of at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 amino acids of the transmembrane subunit of a viral envelope protein, e.g., HIV-1 gp120 or gp41. The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of HIV-1 gp120 or gp41 are described in, e.g., Kuiken et al., (2008). “HIV Sequence Compendium,” Los Alamos National Laboratory.

In some embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may have at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% sequence homology to the corresponding viral protein sequence. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may have at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% sequence homology to the corresponding viral protein sequence.

In other embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may comprise or consist of a synthetic peptide corresponding to a region, e.g., a consecutive sequence of at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 amino acids of the binding domain of a capsid binding protein. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may have at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% sequence homology to the corresponding sequence of the capsid binding protein.

The anti-microbial polypeptides described herein may block protease dimerization and inhibit cleavage of viral proproteins (e.g., HIV Gag-pol processing) into functional proteins thereby preventing release of one or more enveloped viruses (e.g., HIV, HCV). In some embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may have at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% sequence homology to the corresponding viral protein sequence.

In other embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide can comprise or consist of a synthetic peptide corresponding to a region, e.g., a consecutive sequence of at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 amino acids of the binding domain of a protease binding protein. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial polypeptide may have at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% sequence homology to the corresponding sequence of the protease binding protein.

A non-limiting list of infectious diseases that the mRNA vaccine antigens or anti-microbial peptides may treat is presented below: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV resulting in mycobacterial infection, AIDS related Cacheixa, AIDS related Cytomegalovirus infection, HIV-associated nephropathy, Lipodystrophy, AID related cryptococcal meningitis, AIDS related neutropaenia, Pneumocysitis jiroveci (Pneumocystis carinii) infections, AID related toxoplasmosis, hepatitis A, B, C, D or E, herpes, herpes zoster (chicken pox), German measles (rubella virus), yellow fever, dengue fever etc. (flavi viruses), flu (influenza viruses), haemorrhagic infectious diseases (Marburg or Ebola viruses), bacterial infectious diseases such as Legionnaires' disease (Legionella), gastric ulcer (Helicobacter), cholera (Vibrio), E. coli infections, staphylococcal infections, salmonella infections or streptococcal infections, tetanus (Clostridium tetani), protozoan infectious diseases (malaria, sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, i.e. infections caused by plasmodium, trypanosomes, leishmania and toxoplasma), diphtheria, leprosy, measles, pertussis, rabies, tetanus, tuberculosis, typhoid, varicella, diarrheal infections such as Amoebiasis, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, Cyclosporiasis and Rotaviral gastroenteritis, encephalitis such as Japanese encephalitis, Wester equine encephalitis and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), fungal skin diseases such as candidiasis, onychomycosis, Tinea captis/scal ringworm, Tinea corporis/body ringworm, Tinea cruris/jock itch, sporotrichosis and Tinea pedis/Athlete's foot, Meningitis such as Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), Meningitis, viral, meningococcal infections and pneumococcal infection, neglected tropical diseases such as Argentine haemorrhagic fever, Leishmaniasis, Nematode/roundworm infections, Ross river virus infection and West Nile virus (WNV) disease, Non-HIV STDs such as Trichomoniasis, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted chlamydial diseases, Chancroid and Syphilis, Non-septic bacterial infections such as cellulitis, lyme disease, MRSA infection, pseudomonas, staphylococcal infections, Boutonneuse fever, Leptospirosis, Rheumatic fever, Botulism, Rickettsial disease and Mastoiditis, parasitic infections such as Cysticercosis, Echinococcosis, Trematode/Fluke infections, Trichinellosis, Babesiosis, Hypodermyiasis, Diphyllobothriasis and Trypanosomiasis, respiratory infections such as adenovirus infection, aspergillosis infections, avian (H5N1) influenza, influenza, RSV infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), sinusitis, Legionellosis, Coccidioidomycosis and swine (H1N1) influenza, sepsis such as bacteraemia, sepsis/septic shock, sepsis in premature infants, urinary tract infection such as vaginal infections (bacterial), vaginal infections (fungal) and gonococcal infection, viral skin diseases such as B19 parvovirus infections, warts, genital herpes, orofacial herpes, shingles, inner ear infections, fetal cytomegalovirus syndrome, foodborn illnesses such as brucellosis (Brucella species), Clostridium perfringens (Epsilon toxin), E. Coli O157:H7 (Escherichia coli), Salmonellosis (Salmonella species), Shingellosis (Shingella), Vibriosis and Listeriosis, bioterrorism and potential epidemic diseases such as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, Marburg haemorrhagic fever, plague, Anthrax Nipah virus disease, Hanta virus, Smallpox, Glanders (Burkholderia mallei), Melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei), Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci), Q fever (Coxiella burnetii), Tularemia (Fancisella tularensis), rubella, mumps and polio.

The mRNA disclosed herein, may encode one or more validated or “in testing” therapeutic proteins or peptides. According to the present invention, one or more therapeutic proteins or peptides currently being marketed or in development may be encoded by the mRNA of the present invention. Therapeutic proteins and peptides encoded in the mRNA of the invention may be utilized to treat conditions or diseases in many therapeutic areas such as, but not limited to, blood, cardiovascular, CNS, poisoning (including antivenoms), dermatology, endocrinology, genetic, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, oncology, and immunology, respiratory, sensory and anti-infective.

The mRNA disclosed herein, may encode one or more cell-penetrating polypeptides. As used herein, “cell-penetrating polypeptide” or CPP refers to a polypeptide which may facilitate the cellular uptake of molecules. A cell-penetrating polypeptide of the present invention may contain one or more detectable labels. The polypeptides may be partially labeled or completely labeled throughout. The mRNA may encode the detectable label completely, partially or not at all. The cell-penetrating peptide may also include a signal sequence. As used herein, a “signal sequence” refers to a sequence of amino acid residues bound at the amino terminus of a nascent protein during protein translation. The signal sequence may be used to signal the secretion of the cell-penetrating polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the mRNA may also encode a fusion protein. The fusion protein may be created by operably linking a charged protein to a therapeutic protein. As used herein, “operably linked” refers to the therapeutic protein and the charged protein being connected in such a way to permit the expression of the complex when introduced into the cell. As used herein, “charged protein” refers to a protein that carries a positive, negative or overall neutral electrical charge. Preferably, the therapeutic protein may be covalently linked to the charged protein in the formation of the fusion protein. The ratio of surface charge to total or surface amino acids may be approximately 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or 0.9.

The cell-penetrating polypeptide encoded by the mRNA may form a complex after being translated. The complex may comprise a charged protein linked, e.g. covalently linked, to the cell-penetrating polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the cell-penetrating polypeptide may comprise a first domain and a second domain. The first domain may comprise a supercharged polypeptide. The second domain may comprise a protein-binding partner. As used herein, “protein-binding partner” includes, but is not limited to, antibodies and functional fragments thereof, scaffold proteins, or peptides. The cell-penetrating polypeptide may further comprise an intracellular binding partner for the protein-binding partner. The cell-penetrating polypeptide may be capable of being secreted from a cell where the mRNA may be introduced. The cell-penetrating polypeptide may also be capable of penetrating the first cell.

In one embodiment, the mRNA may encode a cell-penetrating polypeptide which may comprise a protein-binding partner. The protein binding partner may include, but is not limited to, an antibody, a supercharged antibody or a functional fragment. The mRNA may be introduced into the cell where a cell-penetrating polypeptide comprising the protein-binding partner is introduced.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a therapeutic mRNA that includes at least one ribonucleic acid (RNA) polynucleotide having an open reading frame encoding at least one antigenic polypeptide, in which the RNA polynucleotide of the RNA includes at least one chemical modification. In some embodiments, the chemical modification is selected from pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, N1-ethylpseudouridine, 2-thiouridine, 4′-thiouridine, 5-methylcytosine, 2-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine, 2-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 2-thio-5-aza-uridine, 2-thio-dihydropseudouridine, 2-thio-dihydrouridine, 2-thio-pseudouridine, 4-methoxy-2-thio-pseudouridine, 4-methoxy-pseudouridine, 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 4-thio-pseudouridine, 5-aza-uridine, dihydropseudouridine, 5-methyluridine), 5-methoxyuridine, and 2′-O-methyl uridine. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Any of the foregoing polynucleotides of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, are codon optimized. Codon optimization methods are known in the art and may be used as provided herein. Codon optimization, in some embodiments, may be used to match codon frequencies in target and host organisms to ensure proper folding; bias GC content to increase mRNA stability or reduce secondary structures; minimize tandem repeat codons or base runs that may impair gene construction or expression; customize transcriptional and translational control regions; insert or remove protein trafficking sequences; remove/add post translation modification sites in encoded protein (e.g. glycosylation sites); add, remove or shuffle protein domains; insert or delete restriction sites; modify ribosome binding sites and mRNA degradation sites; adjust translational rates to allow the various domains of the protein to fold properly; or to reduce or eliminate problem secondary structures within the polynucleotide. Codon optimization tools, algorithms and services are known in the art—non-limiting examples include services from GeneArt (Life Technologies), DNA2.0 (Menlo Park Calif.) and/or proprietary methods. In some embodiments, the open reading frame (ORF) sequence is optimized using optimization algorithms.

In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares less than 95% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares less than 90% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares less than 85% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares less than 80% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares less than 75% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares between 65% and 85% (e.g., between about 67% and about 85% or between about 67% and about 80%) sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a codon optimized sequence shares between 65% and 75 or about 80% sequence identity to a naturally-occurring or wild-type sequence (e.g., a naturally-occurring or wild-type mRNA sequence encoding a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., an antigenic protein or polypeptide.

In some embodiments a codon optimized RNA may, for instance, be one in which the levels of G/C are enhanced. The G/C-content of nucleic acid molecules may influence the stability of the RNA. RNA having an increased amount of guanine (G) and/or cytosine (C) residues may be functionally more stable than nucleic acids containing a large amount of adenine (A) and thymine (T) or uracil (U) nucleotides. WO02/098443 discloses a pharmaceutical composition containing an mRNA stabilized by sequence modifications in the translated region. Due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, the modifications work by substituting existing codons for those that promote greater RNA stability without changing the resulting amino acid. The approach is limited to coding regions of the RNA.

As used herein, when referring to polypeptides the terms “site” as it pertains to amino acid based embodiments is used synonymously with “amino acid residue” and “amino acid side chain.” As used herein when referring to polynucleotides the terms “site” as it pertains to nucleotide based embodiments is used synonymously with “nucleotide.” A site represents a position within a peptide or polypeptide or polynucleotide that may be modified, manipulated, altered, derivatized or varied within the polypeptide or polynucleotide based molecules.

As used herein the terms “termini” or “terminus” when referring to polypeptides or polynucleotides refers to an extremity of a polypeptide or polynucleotide respectively. Such extremity is not limited only to the first or final site of the polypeptide or polynucleotide but may include additional amino acids or nucleotides in the terminal regions. Polypeptide-based molecules may be characterized as having both an N-terminus (terminated by an amino acid with a free amino group (NH2)) and a C-terminus (terminated by an amino acid with a free carboxyl group (COOH)). Proteins are in some cases made up of multiple polypeptide chains brought together by disulfide bonds or by non-covalent forces (multimers, oligomers). These proteins have multiple N- and C-termini. Alternatively, the termini of the polypeptides may be modified such that they begin or end, as the case may be, with a non-polypeptide based moiety such as an organic conjugate.

As recognized by those skilled in the art, protein fragments, functional protein domains, and homologous proteins are also considered to be within the scope of polypeptides of interest. For example, provided herein is any protein fragment (meaning a polypeptide sequence at least one amino acid residue shorter than a reference polypeptide sequence but otherwise identical) of a reference protein 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or greater than 100 amino acids in length. In another example, any protein that includes a stretch of 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 amino acids which are 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% identical to any of the sequences described herein can be utilized in accordance with the disclosure. In some embodiments, a polypeptide includes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more mutations as shown in any of the sequences provided or referenced herein. In another example, any protein that includes a stretch of 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 amino acids that are greater than 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% identical to any of the sequences described herein, wherein the protein has a stretch of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 amino acids that are less than 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, or 60% identical to any of the sequences described herein can be utilized in accordance with the disclosure.

Polypeptide or polynucleotide molecules useful in the present disclosure may share a certain degree of sequence similarity or identity with the reference molecules (e.g., reference polypeptides or reference polynucleotides), for example, with art-described molecules (e.g., engineered or designed molecules or wild-type molecules). The term “identity” as known in the art, refers to a relationship between the sequences of two or more polypeptides or polynucleotides, as determined by comparing the sequences. In the art, identity also means the degree of sequence relatedness between them as determined by the number of matches between strings of two or more amino acid residues or nucleic acid residues. Identity measures the percent of identical matches between the smaller of two or more sequences with gap alignments (if any) addressed by a particular mathematical model or computer program (e.g., “algorithms”). Identity of related peptides can be readily calculated by known methods. “% identity” as it applies to polypeptide or polynucleotide sequences is defined as the percentage of residues (amino acid residues or nucleic acid residues) in the candidate amino acid or nucleic acid sequence that are identical with the residues in the amino acid sequence or nucleic acid sequence of a second sequence after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent identity. Methods and computer programs for the alignment are well known in the art. It is understood that identity depends on a calculation of percent identity but may differ in value due to gaps and penalties introduced in the calculation. Generally, variants of a particular polynucleotide or polypeptide have at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% but less than 100% sequence identity to that particular reference polynucleotide or polypeptide as determined by sequence alignment programs and parameters described herein and known to those skilled in the art. Such tools for alignment include those of the BLAST suite (Stephen F. Altschul, et al (1997), “Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs”, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402). Another popular local alignment technique is based on the Smith-Waterman algorithm (Smith, T. F. & Waterman, M. S. (1981) “Identification of common molecular subsequences.” J. Mol. Biol. 147:195-197). A general global alignment technique based on dynamic programming is the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman, S. B. & Wunsch, C. D. (1970) “A general method applicable to the search for similarities in the amino acid sequences of two proteins.” J. Mol. Biol. 48:443-453). More recently a Fast Optimal Global Sequence Alignment Algorithm (FOGSAA) has been developed that purportedly produces global alignment of nucleotide and protein sequences faster than other optimal global alignment methods, including the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm. Other tools are described herein, specifically in the definition of “identity” below.

As used herein, the term “homology” refers to the overall relatedness between polymeric molecules, e.g. between nucleic acid molecules (e.g. DNA molecules and/or RNA molecules) and/or between polypeptide molecules. Polymeric molecules (e.g. nucleic acid molecules (e.g. DNA molecules and/or RNA molecules) and/or polypeptide molecules) that share a threshold level of similarity or identity determined by alignment of matching residues are termed homologous. Homology is a qualitative term that describes a relationship between molecules and can be based upon the quantitative similarity or identity. Similarity or identity is a quantitative term that defines the degree of sequence match between two compared sequences. In some embodiments, polymeric molecules are considered to be “homologous” to one another if their sequences are at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identical or similar. The term “homologous” necessarily refers to a comparison between at least two sequences (polynucleotide or polypeptide sequences). Two polynucleotide sequences are considered homologous if the polypeptides they encode are at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or even 99% for at least one stretch of at least 20 amino acids. In some embodiments, homologous polynucleotide sequences are characterized by the ability to encode a stretch of at least 4-5 uniquely specified amino acids. For polynucleotide sequences less than 60 nucleotides in length, homology is determined by the ability to encode a stretch of at least 4-5 uniquely specified amino acids. Two protein sequences are considered homologous if the proteins are at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% identical for at least one stretch of at least 20 amino acids.

Homology implies that the compared sequences diverged in evolution from a common origin. The term “homolog” refers to a first amino acid sequence or nucleic acid sequence (e.g., gene (DNA or RNA) or protein sequence) that is related to a second amino acid sequence or nucleic acid sequence by descent from a common ancestral sequence. The term “homolog” may apply to the relationship between genes and/or proteins separated by the event of speciation or to the relationship between genes and/or proteins separated by the event of genetic duplication. “Orthologs” are genes (or proteins) in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene (or protein) by speciation. Typically, orthologs retain the same function in the course of evolution. “Paralogs” are genes (or proteins) related by duplication within a genome. Orthologs retain the same function in the course of evolution, whereas paralogs evolve new functions, even if these are related to the original one.

The term “identity” refers to the overall relatedness between polymeric molecules, for example, between polynucleotide molecules (e.g. DNA molecules and/or RNA molecules) and/or between polypeptide molecules. Calculation of the percent identity of two polynucleic acid sequences, for example, can be performed by aligning the two sequences for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second nucleic acid sequences for optimal alignment and non-identical sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes). In certain embodiments, the length of a sequence aligned for comparison purposes is at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% of the length of the reference sequence. The nucleotides at corresponding nucleotide positions are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same nucleotide as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that position. The percent identity between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which needs to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The comparison of sequences and determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. For example, the percent identity between two nucleic acid sequences can be determined using methods such as those described in Computational Molecular Biology, Lesk, A. M., ed., Oxford University Press, New York, 1988; Biocomputing: Informatics and Genome Projects, Smith, D. W., ed., Academic Press, New York, 1993; Sequence Analysis in Molecular Biology, von Heinje, G., Academic Press, 1987; Computer Analysis of Sequence Data, Part I, Griffin, A. M., and Griffin, H. G., eds., Humana Press, New Jersey, 1994; and Sequence Analysis Primer, Gribskov, M. and Devereux, J., eds., M Stockton Press, New York, 1991; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the percent identity between two nucleic acid sequences can be determined using the algorithm of Meyers and Miller (CABIOS, 1989, 4:11-17), which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0) using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4. The percent identity between two nucleic acid sequences can, alternatively, be determined using the GAP program in the GCG software package using an NWSgapdna.CMP matrix. Methods commonly employed to determine percent identity between sequences include, but are not limited to those disclosed in Carillo, H., and Lipman, D., SIAM J Applied Math., 48:1073 (1988); incorporated herein by reference. Techniques for determining identity are codified in publicly available computer programs. Exemplary computer software to determine homology between two sequences include, but are not limited to, GCG program package, Devereux, J., et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 12(1), 387 (1984)), BLASTP, BLASTN, and FASTA Altschul, S. F. et al., J. Molec. Biol., 215, 403 (1990)).

The immunomodulatory agent may be an immunostimulatory agent or an immunoinhibitory agent. An immunostimulatory agent is an agent that stimulates an immune response (including enhancing a pre-existing immune response) in a subject to whom it is administered, whether alone or in combination with another agent. Examples include antigens, adjuvants (e.g., TLR ligands such as imiquimod, imidazoquinoline, nucleic acids comprising an unmethylated CpG dinucleotide, monophosphoryl lipid A or other lipopolysaccharide derivatives, single-stranded or double-stranded RNA, flagellin, muramyl dipeptide), cytokines including interleukins (e.g., IL-2, IL-7, IL-15 (or superagonist/mutant forms of these cytokines), IL-12, IFN-gamma, IFN-alpha, GM-CSF, FLT3-ligand, etc.), immunostimulatory antibodies (e.g., anti-CTLA-4, anti-CD28, anti-CD3, or single chain/antibody fragments of these molecules), and the like.

An immunoinhibitory agent is an agent that inhibits an immune response in a subject to whom it is administered, whether alone or in combination with another agent. Examples include steroids, retinoic acid, dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, anti-CD3 antibody or antibody fragment, and other immunosuppressants.

Adjvants are agents that enhance an immune response. The adjuvant may be without limitation alum (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate); saponins purified from the bark of the Q. saponaria tree such as QS21 (a glycolipid that elutes in the 21st peak with HPLC fractionation; Antigenics, Inc., Worcester, Mass.); poly[di(carboxylatophenoxy) phosphazene (PCPP polymer; Virus Research Institute, USA), Flt3 ligand, Leishmania elongation factor (a purified Leishmania protein; Corixa Corporation, Seattle, Wash.), ISCOMS (immunostimulating complexes which contain mixed saponins, lipids and form virus-sized particles with pores that can hold antigen; CSL, Melbourne, Australia), Pam3Cys, SB-AS4 (SmithKline Beecham adjuvant system #4 which contains alum and MPL; SBB, Belgium), non-ionic block copolymers that form micelles such as CRL 1005 (these contain a linear chain of hydrophobic polyoxypropylene flanked by chains of polyoxyethylene, Vaxcel, Inc., Norcross, Ga.), and Montanide IMS (e.g., IMS 1312, water-based nanoparticles combined with a soluble immunostimulant, Seppic)

Adjuvants may be TLR ligands. Adjuvants that act through TLR3 include without limitation double-stranded RNA. Adjuvants that act through TLR4 include without limitation derivatives of lipopolysaccharides such as monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA; Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., Hamilton, Mont.) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP; Ribi) and threonyl-muramyl dipeptide (t-MDP; Ribi); OM-174 (a glucosamine disaccharide related to lipid A; OM Pharma SA, Meyrin, Switzerland). Adjuvants that act through TLR5 include without limitation flagellin. Adjuvants that act through TLR7 and/or TLR8 include single-stranded RNA, oligoribonucleotides (ORN), synthetic low molecular weight compounds such as imidazoquinolinamines (e.g., imiquimod, resiquimod). Adjuvants acting through TLR9 include DNA of viral or bacterial origin, or synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), such as CpG ODN. Another adjuvant class is phosphorothioate containing molecules such as phosphorothioate nucleotide analogs and nucleic acids containing phosphorothioate backbone linkages.

The antigen may be without limitation a cancer antigen, a self-antigen, a microbial antigen, an allergen, or an environmental antigen. The antigen may be peptide, lipid, or carbohydrate in nature, but it is not so limited.

A cancer antigen is an antigen that is expressed preferentially by cancer cells (i.e., it is expressed at higher levels in cancer cells than on non-cancer cells) and in some instances it is expressed solely by cancer cells. The cancer antigen may be expressed within a cancer cell or on the surface of the cancer cell. The cancer antigen may be MART-1/Melan-A, gp100, adenosine deaminase-binding protein (ADAbp), FAP, cyclophilin b, colorectal associated antigen (CRC)-0017-1A/GA733, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CAP-1, CAP-2, etv6, AML1, prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA-1, PSA-2, PSA-3, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), T cell receptor/CD3-zeta chain, and CD20. The cancer antigen may be selected from the group consisting of MAGE-A1, MAGE-A2, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A5, MAGE-A6, MAGE-A7, MAGE-A8, MAGE-A9, MAGE-A10, MAGE-A11, MAGE-A12, MAGE-Xp2 (MAGE-B2), MAGE-Xp3 (MAGE-B3), MAGE-Xp4 (MAGE-B4), MAGE-C1, MAGE-C2, MAGE-C3, MAGE-C4, MAGE-05). The cancer antigen may be selected from the group consisting of GAGE-1, GAGE-2, GAGE-3, GAGE-4, GAGE-5, GAGE-6, GAGE-7, GAGE-8, GAGE-9. The cancer antigen may be selected from the group consisting of BAGE, RAGE, LAGE-1, NAG, GnT-V, MUM-1, CDK4, tyrosinase, p53, MUC family, HER2/neu, p21ras, RCAS1, α-fetoprotein, E-cadherin, α-catenin, β-catenin, γ-catenin, p120ctn, gp100Pmel117, PRAME, NY-ESO-1, cdc27, adenomatous polyposis coli protein (APC), fodrin, Connexin 37, Ig-idiotype, p15, gp75, GM2 ganglioside, GD2 ganglioside, human papilloma virus proteins, Smad family of tumor antigens, lmp-1, P1A, EBV-encoded nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1, brain glycogen phosphorylase, SSX-1, SSX-2 (HOM-MEL-40), SSX-1, SSX-4, SSX-5, SCP-1 and CT-7, CD20, and c-erbB-2. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Microbial antigens are antigens derived from microbial species such as without limitation bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and mycobacterial species. As such, microbial antigens include bacterial antigens, viral antigens, fungal antigens, parasitic antigens, and mycobacterial antigens. Examples of bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and mycobacterial species are provided herein. The microbial antigen may be part of a microbial species or it may be the entire microbe.

An anti-cancer agent is an agent that at least partially inhibits the development or progression of a cancer, including inhibiting in whole or in part symptoms associated with the cancer even if only for the short term. Several anti-cancer agents can be categorized as DNA damaging agents and these include topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., etoposide, ramptothecin, topotecan, teniposide, mitoxantrone), DNA alkylating agents (e.g., cisplatin, mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan, chorambucil, busulfan, thiotepa, carmustine, lomustine, carboplatin, dacarbazine, procarbazine), DNA strand break inducing agents (e.g., bleomycin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin C), anti-microtubule agents (e.g., vincristine, vinblastine), anti-metabolic agents (e.g., cytarabine, methotrexate, hydroxyurea, 5-fluorouracil, floxuridine, 6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, fludarabine, pentostatin, chlorodeoxyadenosine), anthracyclines, vinca alkaloids. or epipodophyllotoxins.

Examples of anti-cancer agents include without limitation Acivicin; Aclarubicin; Acodazole Hydrochloride; Acronine; Adozelesin; Aldesleukin; Altretamine; Ambomycin; Ametantrone Acetate; Aminoglutethimide; Amsacrine; Anastrozole; Anthramycin; Asparaginase; Asperlin; Azacitidine; Azetepa; Azotomycin; Batimastat; Benzodepa; Bicalutamide; Bisantrene Hydrochloride; Bisnafide Dimesylate; Bizelesin; Bleomycin Sulfate; Bortezomib (VELCADE); Brequinar Sodium; Bropirimine; Busulfan; Cactinomycin; Calusterone; Caracemide; Carbetimer; Carboplatin (a platinum-containing regimen); Carmustine; Carubicin Hydrochloride; Carzelesin; Cedefingol; Chlorambucil; Cirolemycin; Cisplatin (a platinum-containing regimen); Cladribine; Crisnatol Mesylate; Cyclophosphamide; Cytarabine; Dacarbazine; Dactinomycin; Daunorubicin; Decitabine; Dexormaplatin; Dezaguanine; Diaziquone; Docetaxel (TAXOTERE); Doxorubicin; Droloxifene; Dromostanolone; Duazomycin; Edatrexate; Eflornithine; Elsamitrucin; Enloplatin; Enpromate; Epipropidine; Epirubicin; Erbulozole; Erlotinib (TARCEVA), Esorubicin; Estramustine; Etanidazole; Etoposide; Etoprine; Fadrozole; Fazarabine; Fenretinide; Floxuridine; Fludarabine; 5-Fluorouracil; Flurocitabine; Fosquidone; Fostriecin; Gefitinib (IRESSA), Gemcitabine; Hydroxyurea; Idarubicin; Ifosfamide; Ilmofosine; Imatinib mesylate (GLEEVAC); Interferon alpha-2a; Interferon alpha-2b; Interferon alpha-n1; Interferon alpha-n3; Interferon beta-I a; Interferon gamma-I b; Iproplatin; Irinotecan; Lanreotide; Lenalidomide (REVLIMID, REVIMID); Letrozole; Leuprolide; Liarozole; Lometrexol; Lomustine; Losoxantrone; Masoprocol; Maytansine; Mechlorethamine; Megestrol; Melengestrol; Melphalan; Menogaril; Mercaptopurine; Methotrexate; Metoprine; Meturedepa; Mitindomide; Mitocarcin; Mitocromin; Mitogillin; Mitomalcin; Mitomycin; Mitosper; Mitotane; Mitoxantrone; Mycophenolic Acid; Nocodazole; Nogalamycin; Ormaplatin; Oxisuran; Paclitaxel; Pemetrexed (ALIMTA), Pegaspargase; Peliomycin; Pentamustine; Pentomone; Peplomycin; Perfosfamide; Pipobroman; Piposulfan; Piritrexim Isethionate; Piroxantrone; Plicamycin; Plomestane; Porfimer; Porfiromycin; Prednimustine; Procarbazine; Puromycin; Pyrazofurin; Riboprine; Rogletimide; Safingol; Semustine; Simtrazene; Sitogluside; Sparfosate; Sparsomycin; Spirogermanium; Spiromustine; Spiroplatin; Streptonigrin; Streptozocin; Sulofenur; Talisomycin; Tamsulosin; Taxol; Taxotere; Tecogalan; Tegafur; Teloxantrone; Temoporfin; Temozolomide (TEMODAR); Teniposide; Teroxirone; Testolactone; Thalidomide (THALOMID) and derivatives thereof; Thiamiprine; Thioguanine; Thiotepa; Tiazofurin; Tirapazamine; Topotecan; Toremifene; Trestolone; Triciribine; Trimetrexate; Triptorelin; Tubulozole; Uracil Mustard; Uredepa; Vapreotide; Verteporfin; Vinblastine; Vincristine; Vindesine; Vinepidine; Vinglycinate; Vinleurosine; Vinorelbine; Vinrosidine; Vinzolidine; Vorozole; Zeniplatin; Zinostatin; Zorubicin.

The anti-cancer agent may be an enzyme inhibitor including without limitation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a CDK inhibitor, a MAP kinase inhibitor, or an EGFR inhibitor. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor may be without limitation Genistein (4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), Tyrphostin 25 (3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl), methylene]-propanedinitrile, Herbimycin A, Daidzein (4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavone), AG-126, trans-1-(3′-carboxy-4′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2″,5″-dihydroxy-phenyl)ethane, or HDBA (2-Hydroxy5-(2,5-Dihydroxybenzylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid. The CDK inhibitor may be without limitation p21, p27, p57, p15, p16, p18, or p19. The MAP kinase inhibitor may be without limitation KY12420 (C₂₃H₂₄O₈), CNI-1493, PD98059, or 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinyl phenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl) 1H-imidazole. The EGFR inhibitor may be without limitation erlotinib (TARCEVA), gefitinib (IRESSA), WHI-P97 (quinazoline derivative), LFM-A12 (leflunomide metabolite analog), ABX-EGF, lapatinib, canertinib, ZD-6474 (ZACTIMA), AEE788, and AG1458.

The anti-cancer agent may be a VEGF inhibitor including without limitation bevacizumab (AVASTIN), ranibizumab (LUCENTIS), pegaptanib (MACUGEN), sorafenib, sunitinib (SUTENT), vatalanib, ZD-6474 (ZACTIMA), anecortave (RETAANE), squalamine lactate, and semaphorin.

The anti-cancer agent may be an antibody or an antibody fragment including without limitation an antibody or an antibody fragment including but not limited to bevacizumab (AVASTIN), trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN), alemtuzumab (CAMPATH, indicated for B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia), gemtuzumab (MYLOTARG, hP67.6, anti-CD33, indicated for leukemia such as acute myeloid leukemia), rituximab (RITUXAN), tositumomab (BEXXAR, anti-CD20, indicated for B cell malignancy), MDX-210 (bispecific antibody that binds simultaneously to HER-2/neu oncogene protein product and type I Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Fc gamma RI)), oregovomab (OVAREX, indicated for ovarian cancer), edrecolomab (PANOREX), daclizumab (ZENAPAX), palivizumab (SYNAGIS, indicated for respiratory conditions such as RSV infection), ibritumomab tiuxetan (ZEVALIN, indicated for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), cetuximab (ERBITUX), MDX-447, MDX-22, MDX-220 (anti-TAG-72), IOR-05, IOR-T6 (anti-CD1), IOR EGF/R3, celogovab (ONCOSCINT OV103), epratuzumab (LYMPHOCIDE), pemtumomab (THERAGYN), and Gliomab-H (indicated for brain cancer, melanoma).

A diagnostic agent, which may be referred to herein as an imaging agent, is an agent that emits signal directly or indirectly thereby allowing its detection in vivo. Diagnostic agents such as contrast agents and radioactive agents that can be detected using medical imaging techniques such as nuclear medicine scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include Gd(DOTA), iron oxide or gold nanoparticles; imaging agents for nuclear medicine include ²⁰¹T1, gamma-emitting radionuclide 99 mTc; imaging agents for positron-emission tomography (PET) include positron-emitting isotopes, (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)FDG), (18)F-fluoride, copper-64, gadoamide, and radioisotopes of Pb(II) such as 203 Pb, and 11In; imaging agents for in vivo fluorescence imaging such as fluorescent dyes or dye-conjugated nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the agent to be delivered is conjugated, or fused to, or mixed or combined with an diagnostic agent.

The compounds and compositions may be administered to virtually any subject type that is likely to benefit from delivery of agents as contemplated herein. Human subjects are preferred subjects in some embodiments of the invention. Subjects also include animals such as household pets (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc.), livestock or farm animals (e.g., cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and other poultry), horses such as thoroughbred horses, laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits, etc.), and the like. Subjects also include fish and other aquatic species.

The subjects to whom the agents are delivered may be normal subjects. Alternatively they may have or may be at risk of developing a condition that can be diagnosed or that can benefit from localized delivery of one or more particular agents. Such conditions include cancer (e.g., solid tumor cancers), infections (particularly infections localized to particular regions or tissues in the body), autoimmune disorders, allergies or allergic conditions, asthma, transplant rejection, and the like. In some embodiments, the subjects have been diagnosed with a genetic defect and are being administered a nucleic acid based therapeutic.

Agents may be administered systemically or locally. Agents may be administered in effective amounts. An effective amount is a dosage of the agent sufficient to provide a medically desirable result. The effective amount will vary with the particular condition being treated, the age and physical condition of the subject being treated, the severity of the condition, the duration of the treatment, the nature of the concurrent or combination therapy (if any), the specific route of administration and like factors within the knowledge and expertise of the health practitioner. It is preferred generally that a maximum dose be used, that is, the highest safe dose according to sound medical judgment.

The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions. Pharmaceutical compositions are sterile compositions that comprise agents and may comprise delivery vehicles, nanoparticles and the like, preferably in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” means one or more compatible solid or liquid filler, diluents or encapsulating substances which are suitable for administration to a human or other subject contemplated by the invention. The term “carrier” denotes an organic or inorganic ingredient, natural or synthetic, with which the cells, nanoparticles and agent(s) are combined to facilitate administration. The components of the pharmaceutical compositions are commingled in a manner that precludes interaction that would substantially impair their desired pharmaceutical efficiency.

The compounds and compositions, when it is desirable to deliver them systemically, may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers. Pharmaceutical parenteral formulations include aqueous solutions of the ingredients. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Alternatively, suspensions of ingredients may be prepared as oil-based suspensions such as are known in the art or that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure.

This disclosure further contemplates use of LNPs together with one or more secondary agents, including agents that would normally be indicated for the subject.

In some instances, the LNPs may be administered substantially simultaneously with the secondary agents. By substantially simultaneously, it is meant that a LNP is administered to a subject close in time with the administration of the secondary agent, including for example with 1 hour, within 30 minutes, within 10 minutes, or within 5 minutes.

In some instances, the secondary agent(s) may be administered prior to the LNP. For example, the secondary agent(s) may be administered prior to and within 24 hours, or within 18 hours, or within 12 hours, or within 6 hours, or within 3 hours, or within 2 hours of the LNP administration. The secondary agent(s) may be administered 18-24 hours prior to LNP administration, or 12-18 hours prior to LNP administration, or 6-12 hours prior to LNP administration, or 2-6 hours prior to LNP administration.

Subjects who have been administered one or more secondary agents 2 or more hours prior to LNP administration may be referred to as having been pre-medicated with such agent(s). Subjects who have been administered one or more secondary agents within 1 hour prior to LNP administration may be referred to as having been co-mediated with such agent(s).

In some instances, the secondary agent(s) may be administered continuously to the subject, on an as needed basis or on a regular schedule (e.g., every day, every two days, etc.).

In other instances, the secondary agent may be administered before or after the administration of the LNP.

Such secondary agents may include, but are not limited to, anti-histamines, anti-platelet agents, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In certain embodiments, the LNPs are not formulated with and subjects are not pre- or co-medicated with a corticosteroid, such as but not limited to dexamethasone.

In certain embodiments, single secondary agents having anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects are used. An example of such an agent is aspirin.

In certain embodiments, a combination of aspirin, clopidrogrel (Plavix®), and an anti-histamine such as but not limited to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), or cetirizine is used. One or more of the secondary agents may be administered once per LNP administration while others may be administered more frequently. For example, clopidrogrel (Plavix®) may be administered once per LNP administration while aspirin and/or the anti-histamine may be administered daily.

Anti-histamines include H1 receptor antagonists and H1 receptor inverse agonists. Examples of H1 receptor antagonists include but are not limited to acrivastine, alimemazine, alimemazine tartrate, antazoline, astemizole, azatadine, azatadine maleate, azelastine, bamipine, benzquinamide, bepotastine, bepotastine besilate, bilastine bromazine, bromopheniramine, buclizine, carbinoxamine, chlorphenoxamine, chlorcyclizine, cinnopentazone histapyrrodine, chlorodipheynhydramine, chloropyramine, chlorophenamine, Chlorpromazine, cinnarizine, clemastine, clemizole, clocinizine, cyclizine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, deptropine, dexchlorpheniramine, dexbrompheniraine, dimenhydrinate, dimetindene, dimetotiazine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), piphenylpyraline, doxepin, doxylamine, ebastine, efletirizine, embramine, emedastine, epinastine, fexofenadine (Allegra), flunarizine, homochlorcyclizine, hydroxyzine, isothipendyl, ketotifen, levocabastine (2nd genereation), loratadine (Claritin), mebhydroline, meclozine, mepyramine, mequitazine, methdilazine, mirtazapine, mizolastine, niaprazine, olopatadine, orphenadrine, oxatomide, oxomemazine, pemirolast, phenindamine, pheniramine, phenyltoloxamine, pimethixene, piprinhydrinate, promethazine, propiomazine, pyrrobutamine, quetiapine, quifenadine, rupatadine, setastine, terfenadine, thenyldiamine, thiethylperazine, thonzylamine, tolpropamine, trimethobenzamine, tripelennamine, triprolidine and tritoqualine.

Examples of H1 receptor inverse agonists include but are not limited to pyrilamine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and desloratadine.

Anti-platelet agents include but are not limited to activation inhibitors, aggregation inhibitors, adhesion antagonists, anti-coagulation drugs (that do not target platelets directly), and agents that reduce platelet count or numbers.

Examples of activation inhibitors include but are not limited to (1) thrombin receptor PAR-1 inhibitors such as SCH 530348 (vorapaxar), E-5555 (atopaxar), SCH79797, FR 171113, RWJ 56110, BMS-200661, RWJ-58259, SCH205831, Pipal-7 pepducin, P1pal-12 pepducin; (2) thrombin receptor PAR-4 inhibitors such as ML 354, tcY-NH2, P4pal-10 pepducin, P4pal-i1 pepducin; (3) FSLLRY-NH2 (PAR-2 peptide antagonist); (4) TxA2 receptor antagonists such as AH 23,848, SQ 29,548, or R 68,070, S-1452, iosartan, seratrodast; (5) thromboxane receptor antagonists such as terutroban; (6) ADP P2Y12 receptor inhibitors such as ticlopidine, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, cangrelor, elinogrel, AZD6140, AR-C69931, CoA; (7) ADP P2Y1 receptor inhibitors such as A2P5P, A3P5P, MRS2179, MRS2279, MRS2500, palmitoyl-CoA (also acts on P2Y12), and other compounds from SAR study by Thalji et al. 2010; (8) 5-HT2A antagonists such as R-1012444, naftidrofuryl, sarpogrelate, AT-1015; (9) thromboxane synthase inhibitors such as dazoxiben, CS-518 (TXA2 synthase inhibitor), SB 203580, U63557A, imidazo (1,5-2) pyridine-5-hexanoic acid; (10) COX-1 inhibitors such as aspirin, NCX-4016, ridogrel, S18886, picotamide, ramatroban (also TXA2 receptor antagonist), SC-560, FR122047, mofezolac, P6, TFAP, ibuprofen and naproxen (also Cox-2 inhibitors); (11) COX-2 inhibitors such as triflusal (also COX-1 and PDE inhibitor), Etoricoxib, rofecoxib, celecoxib, meloxicam; and (12) PI3K inhibitors such as AZD6482.

Examples of aggregation inhibitors include but are not limited to (1) GPIa/IIa Inhibitors such as EMS16; (2) GPVI inhibitors such as monoclonal antibodies and Fab fragments of mAb 12A5; (3) GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors such as abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban; (4) PDE inhibitors such as dipyridamole (also adenosine reuptake inhibitor), cilostazol (PDE3 inhibitor that results in increased cAMP, and activated PKA), and (5) ADP receptor antagonists. Other platelet aggregation inhibitors include aspirin, clopidrogrel (Plavix®), aspirin/pravastatin, cilostazol, prasugrel, aspirin/dipyridamole, ticagrelor, cangrelor, elinogrel, dipyridamole, and ticlopidine.

Examples of adhesion antagonists (to fibrinogen) include but are not limited to C1qTNF-related protein-1, DZ-697b, RG12986.

Examples of non-platelet anti-coagulation agents include but are not limited to warfarin; Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, betrixaban, darexaban, otamixaban; thrombin inhibitors such as bivalirudin, hirudin, dabigatran, lepirudin, desirudin, argatroban, melagatran, dabigatran, CDSO3, FDSO3, SDSO3, and additional sulphated benzofurans allorsteric inhibitors reported by Sidhu et al. paper.

Examples of agents that reduce platelet count or number include but are not limited to (1) cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., anagrelide), 6,7-dichloro-1,5-dihydroimidazo-[2,1-b]quinazolin-2(3H)-one or 6,7-dichloro-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-2-one (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,932,407; 4,146,718; RE31,617, Haematologica 1992 77:40-3), (2) antibodies to cell surface receptors specifically expressed by platelets or megakaryocytes such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antibodies, (3) most chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drugs such as busulphan (Br. J. Haematol. 1986 62:229-37), hydroxyurea (N Engl J Med 1995 332:1132-6), hepsulfan, phosphorus-32 (Br J Radiol 1997 70:1169-73), pipobroman (Scand J. Haematol 1986 37:306-9), cyclophosphamide (J Cell Physiol 1982 112:222-8), certain alkylating agents and certain antimetabolites, (4) cytokines, growth factors and interleukins such as alpha-interferon (Cancer Immunol Immunother 1987 25:266-73), gamma-interferon, transforming growth factor-beta, neutrophil activating peptide-2 and its analogs (U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,944), macrophage inflammatory protein and its analogs (U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,709), (5) compounds secreted by either platelets or megakaryocytes such as platelet-factor 4 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,323), transforming growth factor-beta, the 12-17 kD glycoprotein produced by megakaryocytes, thrombin and thrombospondin and its amino (1-174 amino acid) terminal fragment (J Lab Clin Med 1997 129:231-8), and (6) other agents including anti-cheloid agents such as Tranilast (Rizaben) (J Dermatol 1998 25:706-9); forskolin and spleen anti-maturation factor (U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,753).

Anti-platelet agents may also be characterized as anti-thrombotic agents, fibrinolytic agents, direct thrombin inhibitors, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, agents that bind to cellular adhesion molecules and inhibit the ability of white blood cells to attach to such molecules, calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and angiotensin system inhibitors.

Anti-thrombotic agents are defined as agents which prevent the formation of a blood thrombus via a number of potential mechanisms and they include fibrinolytic agents, anti-coagulant agents, and inhibitors of platelet function.

Fibrinolytic agents are defined as agents that lyse a thrombus (e.g., a blood clot), usually through the dissolution of fibrin by enzymatic action. Examples of thrombolytic agents include but are not limited to ancrod, anistreplase, bisobrin lactate, brinolase, Hageman factor (i.e. factor XII) fragments, molsidomine, plasminogen activators such as streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activators (TPA) and urokinase, and plasmin and plasminogen. Anti-coagulant agents also include inhibitors of factor Xa, factor TFPI, factor VIIa, factor IXc, factor Va, factor VIIIa as well as inhibitors of other coagulation factors.

Anti-coagulant agents are agents which inhibit the coagulation pathway by impacting negatively upon the production, deposition, cleavage and/or activation of factors essential in the formation of a blood clot. Anti-coagulant agents include but are not limited to vitamin K antagonists such as coumarin and coumarin derivatives (e.g., warfarin sodium); glycosoaminoglycans such as heparins both in unfractionated form and in low molecular weight form; ardeparin sodium, bivalirudin, bromindione, coumarin dalteparin sodium, desirudin, dicumarol, lyapolate sodium, nafamostat mesylate, phenprocoumon, sulfatide, and tinzaparin sodium.

Other “anti-coagulant” and/or “fibrinolytic” agents include Plasminogen; Streptokinase; Urokinase: Anisoylated Plasminogen-Streptokinase Activator Complex; Pro-Urokinase; (Pro-UK); rTPA (alteplase or activase; r denotes recombinant); rPro-UK; Abbokinase; Eminase; Streptase; Anagrelide Hydrochloride; Bivalirudin; Dalteparin Sodium; Danaparoid Sodium; Dazoxiben Hydrochloride; Efegatran Sulfate; Enoxaparin Sodium; Ifetroban; Ifetroban Sodium; Tinzaparin Sodium; retaplase; Trifenagrel; Warfarin; Dextrans.

Still other anti-coagulant agents include, but are not limited to, Ancrod; Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose Solution; Anticoagulant Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine Solution; Anticoagulant Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Solution; Anticoagulant Heparin Solution; Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution; Ardeparin Sodium; Bromindione; Desirudin; Dicumarol; Heparin Calcium; Heparin Sodium; Lyapolate Sodium; Nafamostat Mesylate; Phenprocoumon.

Clot lysing agents include, but are not limited to, tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase, and nimodipine.

Inhibitors of platelet function are agents that impair the ability of mature platelets to perform their normal physiological roles (i.e., their normal function). Platelets are normally involved in a number of physiological processes such as adhesion, for example, to cellular and non-cellular entities, aggregation, for example, for the purpose of forming a blood clot, and release of factors such as growth factors (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)) and platelet granular components. One subcategory of platelet function inhibitors are inhibitors of platelet aggregation which are compounds which reduce or halt the ability of platelets to associate physically with themselves or with other cellular and non-cellular components, thereby precluding the ability of a platelet to form a thrombus.

Examples of useful inhibitors of platelet function include but are not limited to acadesine, anagrelide, anipamil, argatroban, aspirin, clopidogrel, cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the synthetic compound FR-122047, danaparoid sodium, dazoxiben hydrochloride, diadenosine 5′,5′″-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) analogs, difibrotide, dilazep dihydrochloride, 1,2- and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate, dipyridamole, dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine, efegatran sulfate, enoxaparin sodium, glucagon, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists such as Ro-43-8857 and L-700,462, ifetroban, ifetroban sodium, iloprost, isocarbacyclin methyl ester, isosorbide-5-mononitrate, itazigrel, ketanserin and BM-13.177, lamifiban, lifarizine, molsidomine, nifedipine, oxagrelate, PGE, platelet activating factor antagonists such as lexipafant, prostacyclin (PGI2), pyrazines, pyridinol carbamate, ReoPro (i.e., abciximab), sulfinpyrazone, synthetic compounds BN-50727, BN-52021, CV-4151, E-5510, FK-409, GU-7, KB-2796, KBT-3022, KC-404, KF-4939, OP-41483, TRK-100, TA-3090, TFC-612 and ZK-36374, 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane, 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane 2,2-dioxide, 2,4,5-trithiahexane, theophyllin pentoxifyllin, thromboxane and thromboxane synthetase inhibitors such as picotamide and sulotroban, ticlopidine, tirofiban, trapidil and ticlopidine, trifenagrel, trilinolein, 3-substituted 5,6-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazines, and antibodies to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa as well as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,020, and anti-serotonin drugs, Clopridogrel; Sulfinpyrazone; Aspirin; Dipyridamole; Clofibrate; Pyridinol Carbamate; PGE; Glucagon; Antiserotonin drugs; Caffeine; Theophyllin Pentoxifyllin; Ticlopidine.

“Direct thrombin inhibitors” include hirudin, hirugen, hirulog, agatroban, PPACK, thrombin aptamers.

“Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors” are both antibodies and non-antibodies, and include but are not limited to ReoPro (abcixamab), lamifiban, tirofiban.

“Calcium channel blockers” are a chemically diverse class of compounds having important therapeutic value in the control of a variety of diseases (Fleckenstein, Cir. Res. v. 52, (suppl. 1), p. 13-16 (1983); Fleckenstein, Experimental Facts and Therapeutic Prospects, John Wiley, New York (1983); McCall, D., Curr Pract Cardiol, v. 10, p. 1-11 (1985)). Calcium channel blockers are a heterogeneous group of drugs that prevent or slow the entry of calcium into cells by regulating cellular calcium channels. (Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Nineteenth Edition, Mack Publishing Company, Eaton, Pa., p. 963 (1995)). Most of the currently available calcium channel blockers, and useful according to the present invention, belong to one of three major chemical groups of drugs, the dihydropyridines, such as nifedipine, the phenyl alkyl amines, such as verapamil, and the benzothiazepines, such as diltiazem. Other calcium channel blockers useful according to the invention, include, but are not limited to, amrinone, amlodipine, bencyclane, felodipine, fendiline, flunarizine, isradipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, perhexilene, gallopamil, tiapamil and tiapamil analogues (such as 1993RO-11-2933), phenytoin, barbiturates, and the peptides dynorphin, omega-conotoxin, and omega-agatoxin, and the like and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

“Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents” are a class of drugs that antagonize the cardiovascular effects of catecholamines in angina pectoris, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers include, but are not limited to, atenolol, acebutolol, alprenolol, befunolol, betaxolol, bunitrolol, carteolol, celiprolol, hedroxalol, indenolol, labetalol, levobunolol, mepindolol, methypranol, metindol, metoprolol, metrizoranolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, practolol, practolol, sotalolnadolol, tiprenolol, tomalolol, timolol, bupranolol, penbutolol, trimepranol, 2-(3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3-pyridenecarbonitrilHC1, 1-butylamino-3-(2,5-dichlorophenoxy)-2-propanol, 1-isopropylamino-3-(4-(2-cyclopropylmethoxyethyl)phenoxy)-2-propanol, 3-isopropylamino-1-(7-methylindan-4-yloxy)-2-butanol, 2-(3-t-butylamino-2-hydroxy-propylthio)-4-(5-carbamoyl-2-thienyl)thiazol, 7-(2-hydroxy-3-t-butylaminpropoxy)phthalide. The above-identified compounds can be used as isomeric mixtures, or in their respective levorotating or dextrorotating form.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a recently identified form of a cyclooxygenase. “Cyclooxygenase” is an enzyme complex present in most tissues that produces various prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs exert most of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity and inhibit hormone-induced uterine contractions and certain types of cancer growth through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (also known as prostaglandin G/H synthase and/or prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase). Initially, only one form of cyclooxygenase was known, the “constitutive enzyme” or cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). It and was originally identified in bovine seminal vesicles.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been cloned, sequenced and characterized initially from chicken, murine and human sources (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,297, issued Aug. 6, 1996 to Cromlish, et al., and assigned to Merck Frosst Canada, Inc., Kirkland, Calif., entitled: “Human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA and assays for evaluating cyclooxygenase-2 activity”).

A number of selective “COX-2 inhibitors” are known in the art. These include, but are not limited to, COX-2 inhibitors described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,995 “Phenyl heterocycles as cox-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,213 “Diaryl bicyclic heterocycles as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,752 “Phenyl heterocycles as COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,142 “Phenyl heterocycles as COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,422 “Aryl substituted 5,5 fused aromatic nitrogen compounds as anti-inflammatory agents”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,253 “N-benzylindol-3-yl propanoic acid derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,260 “5-methanesulfonamido-1-indanones as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,780 N-benzyl indol-3-yl butanoic acid derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors“; U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,318 Diphenyl-1,2-3-thiadiazoles as anti-inflammatory agents”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,374 “Diaryl-5-oxygenated-2-(5H)-furanones as COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,584 “3,4-diaryl-2-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofurans as prodrugs to COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,140 “Phenyl heterocycles as COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,909 “Diphenyl stilbenes as prodrugs to COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,413 “Alkylated styrenes as prodrugs to COX-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,700 “Bisaryl cyclobutenes derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,943 “Stilbene derivatives useful as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,419 “Substituted pyridines as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,742 “Pyridinyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ones as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,631 “Alkylated styrenes as prodrugs to COX-2 inhibitors”; all of which are commonly assigned to Merck Frosst Canada, Inc. (Kirkland, Calif.). Additional COX-2 inhibitors are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,933, assigned to G. D. Searle & Co. (Skokie, Ill.), entitled: “Substituted sulfonylphenylheterocycles as cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.” Aspirin is an example of a COX-2 inhibitor.

A number of the above-identified COX-2 inhibitors are prodrugs of selective COX-2 inhibitors, and exert their action by conversion in vivo to the active and selective COX-2 inhibitors. The active and selective COX-2 inhibitors formed from the above-identified COX-2 inhibitor prodrugs are described in detail in WO 95/00501, published Jan. 5, 1995, WO 95/18799, published Jul. 13, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,995, issued Dec. 12, 1995. Given the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,297, entitled: “Human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA and assays for evaluating cyclooxygenase-2 activity,” a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine whether an agent is a selective COX-2 inhibitor or a precursor of a COX-2 inhibitor, and therefore part of the present invention.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include but are not limited to naproxen sodium, diclofenac, sulindac, oxaprozin, diflunisal, aspirin, piroxicam, indomethocin, etodolac, ibuprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, tolmetin sodium, and ketorolac tromethamine.

In certain embodiments, the LNP may comprise one or more secondary agents that inhibit immune responses induced by LNPs, e.g., inhibit the binding to or activity of sensors e.g., natural IgM production, natural IgG production, activation of B1a cells, activation of B1b cells, and/or activation of platelets and or dendritic cells or the activity or production of any effectors. The secondary agents are referred to alternatively as agents that inhibit immune responses induced by LNPs. In some instances, the secondary agent may inhibit the production of natural IgM that binds the LNPs, or neutralize such natural IgMs. In other instances, the secondary agent may inhibit activation of B1a cells or remove B1a cells. For example, such a secondary agent may inhibit a surface receptor of B1a cells, including, but not limited to CD36. Alternatively or in addition, the secondary agent may interfere with the binding of IgM to its target. In other embodiments, the secondary agent may inhibit the production of natural IgG that binds the LNPs, or neutralize such natural IgGs or may interfere with the binding of IgG to its target. In other instances, the secondary agent may inhibit activation of B1b cells or remove B1b cells.

In some embodiments, the secondary agent may be an agent that inhibits the production of natural IgM, IgG, and/or activation of B1a and/or B1b cells by LNPs. Such agents may be antagonists of a surface receptor of B1a cells (e.g., CD36 and C5a) or B1b cells, for examples, antibodies or small molecule inhibitors that bind the surface receptor and interfere with its binding to its cognate ligands (e.g., lipid component such as phosphatidylcholine in certain LNPs).

In other embodiments, the secondary agent may be an agent that inhibits the activation of platelets and/or complement system (classical pathway or alternative pathway) by LNPs. Such agents may be CD36 antagonists, TLR antagonists, or antagonists of any component in the complement cascade. Such antagonists may be antagonistic antibodies specific to one of the targets. In some examples, the antagonists may be a protease inhibitor that targets one or more of the serine protease component in the complement system. Other CD36 antagonists include, but are not limited to, salvianolic acid or metabolites thereof (e.g., RA and DSS), 3-cinnamoyl indole, 13-pentyl berberine, hexarelin, or certain fatty acids such as DHA.

It is to be understood that the disclosure contemplates use of one or more of the foregoing secondary agents with any of the LNP provided herein.

Compounds

In another aspect, the present invention provides compounds (i.e., PEG lipids). The compounds provided herein are useful in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations/compositions, e.g., for the delivery of therapeutic agents. In particular, the compounds provided herein can be used in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein exhibit increased PEG shedding as compared with existing PEG lipids.

In one aspect, provided herein are compounds of Formula (I):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein:

L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁ alkylene, optionally substituted C₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, or a linker of the formula:

Y¹ is —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—;

R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group;

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group;

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

Y¹ is —CH₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; and

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

s is an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are compounds of Formula (III):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

Y² is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S— each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group;

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

each instance of s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are compounds of Formula (IV):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive;

provided that when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.

In certain embodiments, when L¹ is C₂ or C₃ alkylene, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is C₂ or C₃ alkylene, R^(O) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—;

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and

R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group;

provided that when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.

In certain embodiments, when Y¹ is a bond or —CR₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when Y¹ is a bond or —CR₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is not optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein:

each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Also provided herein are compounds of Formula (V):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or a combination thereof;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound Formula (V) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, provided herein are compounds of Formula (VI):

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or combinations thereof;

Ring P is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted carbocyclyl;

each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl;

R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and

r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The polydispersity index (PDI) of PEG lipids provided herein can be measured. “Polydispersity index” refers to the measure of heterogeneity of sizes of molecules in a mixture, and is also referred to as the “heterogeneity index” or “dispersity.” In other terms, it is the measure of the distribution of molecular mass in a given polymer sample. PDI is calculated based on the following formula: PDI=M_(w)/M_(n), wherein M_(w) is the weight average molecular weight, and M_(n) is the number average molecular weight. As the polymer chains (e.g., PEG chains) in a mixture of polymers approach uniform chain length, PDI will approach a value of 1. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.1, or less. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, or less. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.0 to 1.10, inclusive. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.02 to 1.10, inclusive. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.0 to 1.04, inclusive. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.02 to 1.04, inclusive. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.10 or less. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of 1.04 or less. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of approximately 1.04. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of approximately 1.03. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of approximately 1.02. In certain embodiments, a plurality of PEG lipids provided herein has a PDI of approximately 1.01.

The PEG lipids provided herein, in certain embodiments, exhibit increased PEG shedding compared to existing PEG lipids. “PEG shedding,” as used herein, refers to the cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid. In many instances, cleavage of a PEG group from a PEG lipid occurs through serum-driven esterase-cleavage. The PEG lipids provided herein, in certain embodiments, have been designed to control the rate of PEG shedding. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid provided herein exhibits greater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid provided herein exhibits greater than 50% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid provided herein exhibits greater than 60% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid provided herein exhibits greater than 70% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid exhibits greater than 80% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid exhibits greater than 90% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum. In certain embodiments a PEG lipid provided herein exhibits greater than 90% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.

Any of the foregoing compounds may be used as the PEG lipid component of an LNP described herein.

The following variable definitions apply to all compounds (e.g., PEG lipids) and LNP formulations described herein.

In certain embodiments, L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, L² is optionally substituted arylene. In certain embodiments, L² is unsubstituted arylene. In certain embodiments, L² is optionally substituted phenylene. In certain embodiments, L² is of the formula:

In certain embodiments, L² is of the formula:

In certain embodiments, L² is L¹.

In certain embodiments, L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, or optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene. L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁ alkylene, optionally substituted C₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, or a linker of the formula:

In certain embodiments, L¹ is a bond. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₁ alkylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is optionally substituted C₃ alkylene. In certain embodiments, L¹ is a linker of the formula:

In certain embodiments, L¹ is of one of the following formulae:

In certain embodiments, L¹ is of one of the following formulae:

In certain embodiments, R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, and tert-butyl. In certain embodiments, R^(O) is methyl.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, le may be branched or unbranched. In certain embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl. In certain embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R¹ is an optionally substituted C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, C₂₂, C₂₃, C₂₄, or C₂₅ alkyl chain. In certain embodiments, R¹ is an unsubstituted C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, CU, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, C₂₂, C₂₃, C₂₄, or C₂₅ alkyl chain.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is an unsubstituted, unbranched alkyl chain of one of the following formulae:

In certain embodiments, R¹ is an unsubstituted, unbranched alkenyl chain of one of the following formulae:

—(CH₂)₇CH═CH(CH₂)₃CH₃

—(CH₂)₇CH═CH(CH₂)₅CH₃

—(CH₂)₄CH═CH(CH₂)₈CH₃

—(CH₂)₇CH═CH(CH₂)₇CH₃

—(CH₂)₇CH═CHCH₂CH═CH(CH₂)₄CH₃

—(CH₂)₇CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH₃

—(CH₂)₃CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CH(CH₂)₄CH₃

—(CH₂)₃CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH₃

—(CH₂)₁₁CH═CH(CH₂)₇CH₃

—(CH₂)₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CHCH₂CH═CH—CH₂CH₃

In certain embodiments, r is an integer from 2-100, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is an integer from 35-55, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 36-54, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 37-53, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 38-52, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 39-51, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 40, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 40-50, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 41-49, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 42-48, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 43-57, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is independently an integer from 44-46, inclusive. In certain embodiments, r is 45. In certain embodiments, r is independently 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55.

In certain embodiments, Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is a bond. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —CR₂—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —O—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —NR^(N)—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —S—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —NMe-. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —NH—. In certain embodiments, Y¹ is —NAc—.

In certain embodiments R is hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl. In certain embodiments, R is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, R is halogen. In certain embodiments, R is optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R is optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R is unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, and tert-butyl. In certain embodiments, R is methyl.

In certain embodiments, s is an integer from 5-25, inclusive. In certain embodiments, s is an integer from 10-20, inclusive. In certain embodiments, s is 5. In certain embodiments, s is 6. In certain embodiments, s is 7. In certain embodiments, s is 8. In certain embodiments, s is 9. In certain embodiments, s is 10. In certain embodiments, s is 11. In certain embodiments, s is 12. In certain embodiments, s is 13. In certain embodiments, s is 14. In certain embodiments, s is 15. In certain embodiments, s is 16. In certain embodiments, s is 17. In certain embodiments, s is 18. In certain embodiments, s is 19. In certain embodiments, s is 20. In certain embodiments, s is 21. In certain embodiments, s is 22. In certain embodiments, s is 23. In certain embodiments, s is 24. In certain embodiments, s is 25.

In certain embodiments, m is an integer from 5-15, inclusive. In certain embodiments, m is an integer from 19-30, inclusive. In certain embodiments, m is 5. In certain embodiments, m is 6. In certain embodiments, m is 7. In certain embodiments, m is 8. In certain embodiments, m is 9. In certain embodiments, m is 10. In certain embodiments, m is 11. In certain embodiments, m is 12. In certain embodiments, m is 13. In certain embodiments, m is 14. In certain embodiments, m is 15. In certain embodiments, m is 19. In certain embodiments, m is 20. In certain embodiments, m is 21. In certain embodiments, m is 22. In certain embodiments, m is 23. In certain embodiments, m is 24. In certain embodiments, m is 25. In certain embodiments, m is 26. In certain embodiments, m is 27. In certain embodiments, m is 28. In certain embodiments, m is 29. In certain embodiments, m is 30.

In certain embodiments, Y² is or —S—. In certain embodiments, Y² is —O—. In certain embodiments, Y² is —NR^(N)—. In certain embodiments, Y² is —S—. In certain embodiments, Y² is —NMe-. In certain embodiments, Y² is —NH—. In certain embodiments, Y² is —NAc—.

In certain embodiments, R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is unsubstituted C₁₋₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, and tert-butyl. In certain embodiments, R^(N) is methyl.

In certain embodiments, Ring P is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted carbocyclyl. In certain embodiments, Ring P is optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, Ring P is unsubstituted aryl. In certain embodiments, Ring P is optionally substituted phenyl. In certain embodiments, Ring P is of the formula:

In certain embodiments, Ring P is of the formula:

Chemical Definitions

Definitions of specific functional groups and chemical terms are described in more detail below. The chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75^(th) Ed., inside cover, and specific functional groups are generally defined as described therein. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry, as well as specific functional moieties and reactivity, are described in Organic Chemistry, Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito, 1999; Smith and March, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5^(th) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2001; Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, Inc., New York, 1989; and Carruthers, Some Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987.

Compounds described herein can comprise one or more asymmetric centers, and thus can exist in various stereoisomeric forms, e.g., enantiomers and/or diastereomers. For example, the compounds described herein can be in the form of an individual enantiomer, diastereomer or geometric isomer, or can be in the form of a mixture of stereoisomers, including racemic mixtures and mixtures enriched in one or more stereoisomer. Isomers can be isolated from mixtures by methods known to those skilled in the art, including chiral high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the formation and crystallization of chiral salts; or preferred isomers can be prepared by asymmetric syntheses. See, for example, Jacques et al., Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolutions (Wiley Interscience, New York, 1981); Wilen et al., Tetrahedron 33:2725 (1977); Eliel, E. L. Stereochemistry of Carbon Compounds (McGraw-Hill, N Y, 1962); and Wilen, S. H., Tables of Resolving Agents and Optical Resolutions p. 268 (E. L. Eliel, Ed., Univ. of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, Ind. 1972). The invention additionally encompasses compounds as individual isomers substantially free of other isomers, and alternatively, as mixtures of various isomers.

In a formula,

is a single bond where the stereochemistry of the moieties immediately attached thereto is not specified, ---is absent or a single bond, and

or

is a single or double bond.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, replacement of ¹⁹F with ¹⁸F, or the replacement of ¹²C with ¹³C or ¹⁴C are within the scope of the disclosure. Such compounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools or probes in biological assays.

When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within the range. For example “C₁₋₆ alkyl” is intended to encompass, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₁₋₆, C₁₋₅, C₁₋₄, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₂, C₂₋₆, C₂₋₅, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₃, C₃₋₆, C₃₋₅, C₃₋₄, C₄₋₆, C₄₋₅, and C₅₋₆ alkyl.

The term “aliphatic” refers to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and carbocyclic groups. Likewise, the term “heteroaliphatic” refers to heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, and heterocyclic groups.

The term “alkyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched saturated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₁₀ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₉ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₈ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₇ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₆ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₅ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₄ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₃ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 carbon atom (“C₁ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₆ alkyl”). Examples of C₁₋₆ alkyl groups include methyl (CO, ethyl (C₂), propyl (C₃) (e.g., n-propyl, isopropyl), butyl (C₄) (e.g., n-butyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl), pentyl (C₅) (e.g., n-pentyl, 3-pentanyl, amyl, neopentyl, 3-methyl-2-butanyl, tertiary amyl), and hexyl (C₆) (e.g., n-hexyl). Additional examples of alkyl groups include n-heptyl (C₇), n-octyl (C₈), and the like. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of an alkyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkyl”) with one or more substituents (e.g., halogen, such as F). In certain embodiments, the alkyl group is an unsubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl (such as unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, e.g., —CH₃ (Me), unsubstituted ethyl (Et), unsubstituted propyl (Pr, e.g., unsubstituted n-propyl (n-Pr), unsubstituted isopropyl (i-Pr)), unsubstituted butyl (Bu, e.g., unsubstituted n-butyl (n-Bu), unsubstituted tert-butyl (tert-Bu or t-Bu), unsubstituted sec-butyl (sec-Bu), unsubstituted isobutyl (i-Bu)). In certain embodiments, the alkyl group is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl (such as substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, e.g., —CF₃, Bn).

The term “haloalkyl” is a substituted alkyl group, wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms are independently replaced by a halogen, e.g., fluoro, bromo, chloro, or iodo. In some embodiments, the haloalkyl moiety has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₈ haloalkyl”). In some embodiments, the haloalkyl moiety has 1 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₆ haloalkyl”). In some embodiments, the haloalkyl moiety has 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₄ haloalkyl”). In some embodiments, the haloalkyl moiety has 1 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₃ haloalkyl”). In some embodiments, the haloalkyl moiety has 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂ haloalkyl”). Examples of haloalkyl groups include —CHF₂, —CH₂F, —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃, —CF₂CF₃, —CF₂CF₂CF₃, —CCl₃, CFCl₂, —CF₂Cl, and the like.

The term “heteroalkyl” refers to an alkyl group, which further includes at least one heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms) selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur within (i.e., inserted between adjacent carbon atoms of) and/or placed at one or more terminal position(s) of the parent chain. In certain embodiments, a heteroalkyl group refers to a saturated group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₉ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₈ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₇ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₆ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₅ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and for 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₄ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and 1 heteroatom within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₃ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms and 1 heteroatom within the parent chain (“heteroC₁₋₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 1 carbon atom and 1 heteroatom (“heteroC₁ alkyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkyl group is a saturated group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₆ alkyl”). Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a heteroalkyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted heteroalkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroalkyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkyl group is an unsubstituted heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkyl group is a substituted heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

The term “alkenyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 double bonds). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₉ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₈ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₇ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₆ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₅ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkenyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon double bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butenyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butenyl). Examples of C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups include ethenyl (C₂), 1-propenyl (C₃), 2-propenyl (C₃), 1-butenyl (C₄), 2-butenyl (C₄), butadienyl (C₄), and the like. Examples of C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups include the aforementioned C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups as well as pentenyl (C₅), pentadienyl (C₅), hexenyl (C₆), and the like. Additional examples of alkenyl include heptenyl (C₇), octenyl (C₈), octatrienyl (C₈), and the like. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of an alkenyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkenyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkenyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the alkenyl group is an unsubstituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl. In certain embodiments, the alkenyl group is a substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl. In an alkenyl group, a C═C double bond for which the stereochemistry is not specified (e.g., —CH═CHCH₃ or

may be an (E)- or (Z)-double bond.

The term “heteroalkenyl” refers to an alkenyl group, which further includes at least one heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms) selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur within (i.e., inserted between adjacent carbon atoms of) and/or placed at one or more terminal position(s) of the parent chain. In certain embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group refers to a group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂_10 alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms at least one double bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₉ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₈ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₇ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₆ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₅ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and for 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₄ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 heteroatom within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₃ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkenyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, at least one double bond, and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₆ alkenyl”). Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a heteroalkenyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted heteroalkenyl”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroalkenyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkenyl group is an unsubstituted heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkenyl group is a substituted heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 triple bonds) (“C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₉ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₈ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₇ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₆ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₅ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkynyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butynyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butynyl). Examples of C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl (C₂), 1-propynyl (C₃), 2-propynyl (C₃), 1-butynyl (C₄), 2-butynyl (C₄), and the like. Examples of C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups include the aforementioned C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups as well as pentynyl (C₅), hexynyl (C₆), and the like. Additional examples of alkynyl include heptynyl (C₇), octynyl (C₈), and the like. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of an alkynyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkynyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkynyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the alkynyl group is an unsubstituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, the alkynyl group is a substituted C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl.

The term “heteroalkynyl” refers to an alkynyl group, which further includes at least one heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms) selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur within (i.e., inserted between adjacent carbon atoms of) and/or placed at one or more terminal position(s) of the parent chain. In certain embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group refers to a group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₉ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₈ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₇ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or more heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₆ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₅ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and for 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₄ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 heteroatom within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₃ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, a heteroalkynyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, at least one triple bond, and 1 or 2 heteroatoms within the parent chain (“heteroC₂₋₆ alkynyl”). Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a heteroalkynyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted heteroalkynyl”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroalkynyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkynyl group is an unsubstituted heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, the heteroalkynyl group is a substituted heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl.

The term “carbocyclyl” or “carbocyclic” refers to a radical of a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 3 to 14 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₁₄ carbocyclyl”) and zero heteroatoms in the non-aromatic ring system. In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 8 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 7 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₇ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 4 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₄₋₆ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 5 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₅₋₆ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 5 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₅₋₁₀ carbocyclyl”). Exemplary C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, cyclopropyl (C₃), cyclopropenyl (C₃), cyclobutyl (C₄), cyclobutenyl (C₄), cyclopentyl (C₅), cyclopentenyl (C₅), cyclohexyl (C₆), cyclohexenyl (C₆), cyclohexadienyl (C₆), and the like. Exemplary C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, the aforementioned C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl groups as well as cycloheptyl (C₇), cycloheptenyl (C₇), cycloheptadienyl (C₇), cycloheptatrienyl (C₇), cyclooctyl (C₈), cyclooctenyl (C₈), bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl (C₇), bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl (C₈), and the like. Exemplary C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, the aforementioned C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl groups as well as cyclononyl (C₉), cyclononenyl (C₉), cyclodecyl (C₁₀), cyclodecenyl (C₁₀), octahydro-1H-indenyl (C₉), decahydronaphthalenyl (C₁₀), spiro[4.5]decanyl (C₁₀), and the like. As the foregoing examples illustrate, in certain embodiments, the carbocyclyl group is either monocyclic (“monocyclic carbocyclyl”) or polycyclic (e.g., containing a fused, bridged or spiro ring system such as a bicyclic system (“bicyclic carbocyclyl”) or tricyclic system (“tricyclic carbocyclyl”)) and can be saturated or can contain one or more carbon-carbon double or triple bonds. “Carbocyclyl” also includes ring systems wherein the carbocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups wherein the point of attachment is on the carbocyclyl ring, and in such instances, the number of carbons continue to designate the number of carbons in the carbocyclic ring system. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a carbocyclyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted carbocyclyl”) or substituted (a “substituted carbocyclyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the carbocyclyl group is an unsubstituted C₃₋₁₄ carbocyclyl. In certain embodiments, the carbocyclyl group is a substituted C₃₋₁₄ carbocyclyl.

In some embodiments, “carbocyclyl” is a monocyclic, saturated carbocyclyl group having from 3 to 14 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₁₄ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 3 to 8 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 4 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₄₋₆ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 5 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl”). In some embodiments, a cycloalkyl group has 5 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₅₋₁₀ cycloalkyl”). Examples of C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl groups include cyclopentyl (C₅) and cyclohexyl (C₅). Examples of C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl groups include the aforementioned C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl groups as well as cyclopropyl (C₃) and cyclobutyl (C₄). Examples of C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl groups include the aforementioned C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl groups as well as cycloheptyl (C₇) and cyclooctyl (C₈). Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a cycloalkyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted cycloalkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted cycloalkyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the cycloalkyl group is an unsubstituted C₃₋₁₄ cycloalkyl. In certain embodiments, the cycloalkyl group is a substituted C₃₋₁₄ cycloalkyl.

The term “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic” refers to a radical of a 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“3-14 membered heterocyclyl”). In heterocyclyl groups that contain one or more nitrogen atoms, the point of attachment can be a carbon or nitrogen atom, as valency permits. A heterocyclyl group can either be monocyclic (“monocyclic heterocyclyl”) or polycyclic (e.g., a fused, bridged or spiro ring system such as a bicyclic system (“bicyclic heterocyclyl”) or tricyclic system (“tricyclic heterocyclyl”)), and can be saturated or can contain one or more carbon-carbon double or triple bonds. Heterocyclyl polycyclic ring systems can include one or more heteroatoms in one or both rings. “Heterocyclyl” also includes ring systems wherein the heterocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl groups wherein the point of attachment is either on the carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl ring, or ring systems wherein the heterocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein the point of attachment is on the heterocyclyl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members continue to designate the number of ring members in the heterocyclyl ring system. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of heterocyclyl is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted heterocyclyl”) or substituted (a “substituted heterocyclyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclyl group is an unsubstituted 3-14 membered heterocyclyl. In certain embodiments, the heterocyclyl group is a substituted 3-14 membered heterocyclyl.

In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-10 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-10 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-8 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-8 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-6 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-6 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has 1-3 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has 1-2 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has 1 ring heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Exemplary 3-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, azirdinyl, oxiranyl, and thiiranyl. Exemplary 4-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, and thietanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, pyrrolidinyl, dihydropyrrolyl, and pyrrolyl-2,5-dione. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 2 heteroatoms include, without limitation, dioxolanyl, oxathiolanyl and dithiolanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 3 heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazolinyl, oxadiazolinyl, and thiadiazolinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, piperidinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyridinyl, and thianyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 2 heteroatoms include, without limitation, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, and dioxanyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 2 heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazinanyl. Exemplary 7-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, azepanyl, oxepanyl and thiepanyl. Exemplary 8-membered heterocyclyl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, azocanyl, oxecanyl and thiocanyl. Exemplary bicyclic heterocyclyl groups include, without limitation, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, dihydrobenzothienyl, tetrahydrobenzothienyl, tetrahydrobenzofuranyl, tetrahydroindolyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, decahydroisoquinolinyl, octahydrochromenyl, octahydroisochromenyl, decahydronaphthyridinyl, decahydro-1,8-naphthyridinyl, octahydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole, indolinyl, phthalimidyl, naphthalimidyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, 1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepinyl, 1,4,5,7-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]pyrrolyl, 5,6-dihydro-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrrolyl, 6,7-dihydro-5H-furo[3,2-b]pyranyl, 5,7-dihydro-4H-thieno[2,3-c]pyranyl, 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, 2,3-dihydrofuro[2,3-b]pyridinyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrofuro[3,2-c]pyridinyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,6-naphthyridinyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” refers to a radical of a monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic or tricyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6, 10, or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array) having 6-14 ring carbon atoms and zero heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system (“C₆₋₁₄ aryl”). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₆ aryl”; e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₁₀ aryl”; e.g., naphthyl such as 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 14 ring carbon atoms (“C₁₄ aryl”; e.g., anthracyl). “Aryl” also includes ring systems wherein the aryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl groups wherein the radical or point of attachment is on the aryl ring, and in such instances, the number of carbon atoms continue to designate the number of carbon atoms in the aryl ring system. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of an aryl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted aryl”) or substituted (a “substituted aryl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the aryl group is an unsubstituted C₆₋₁₄ aryl. In certain embodiments, the aryl group is a substituted C₆₋₁₄ aryl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to a radical of a 5-14 membered monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic, tricyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6, 10, or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array) having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-14 membered heteroaryl”). In heteroaryl groups that contain one or more nitrogen atoms, the point of attachment can be a carbon or nitrogen atom, as valency permits. Heteroaryl polycyclic ring systems can include one or more heteroatoms in one or both rings. “Heteroaryl” includes ring systems wherein the heteroaryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl groups wherein the point of attachment is on the heteroaryl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members continue to designate the number of ring members in the heteroaryl ring system. “Heteroaryl” also includes ring systems wherein the heteroaryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl groups wherein the point of attachment is either on the aryl or heteroaryl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members designates the number of ring members in the fused polycyclic (aryl/heteroaryl) ring system. Polycyclic heteroaryl groups wherein one ring does not contain a heteroatom (e.g., indolyl, quinolinyl, carbazolyl, and the like) the point of attachment can be on either ring, i.e., either the ring bearing a heteroatom (e.g., 2-indolyl) or the ring that does not contain a heteroatom (e.g., 5-indolyl).

In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-10 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-10 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-8 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-8 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-6 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-6 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1-3 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1-2 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1 ring heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of a heteroaryl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted heteroaryl”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroaryl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the heteroaryl group is an unsubstituted 5-14 membered heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, the heteroaryl group is a substituted 5-14 membered heteroaryl.

Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, pyrrolyl, furanyl, and thiophenyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing 2 heteroatoms include, without limitation, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, and isothiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing 3 heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, and thiadiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing 4 heteroatoms include, without limitation, tetrazolyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, pyridinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing 2 heteroatoms include, without limitation, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrazinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing 3 or 4 heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazinyl and tetrazinyl, respectively. Exemplary 7-membered heteroaryl groups containing 1 heteroatom include, without limitation, azepinyl, oxepinyl, and thiepinyl. Exemplary 5,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, benzoisofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzthiadiazolyl, indolizinyl, and purinyl. Exemplary 6,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalazinyl, and quinazolinyl. Exemplary tricyclic heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, phenanthridinyl, dibenzofuranyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl and phenazinyl.

The term “unsaturated bond” refers to a double or triple bond. The term “unsaturated” or “partially unsaturated” refers to a moiety that includes at least one double or triple bond. The term “saturated” refers to a moiety that does not contain a double or triple bond, i.e., the moiety only contains single bonds.

Affixing the suffix “-ene” to a group indicates the group is a divalent moiety, e.g., alkylene is the divalent moiety of alkyl, alkenylene is the divalent moiety of alkenyl, alkynylene is the divalent moiety of alkynyl, heteroalkylene is the divalent moiety of heteroalkyl, heteroalkenylene is the divalent moiety of heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynylene is the divalent moiety of heteroalkynyl, carbocyclylene is the divalent moiety of carbocyclyl, heterocyclylene is the divalent moiety of heterocyclyl, arylene is the divalent moiety of aryl, and heteroarylene is the divalent moiety of heteroaryl.

A group is optionally substituted unless expressly provided otherwise. The term “optionally substituted” refers to being substituted or unsubstituted. In certain embodiments, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted. “Optionally substituted” refers to a group which may be substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkenyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkynyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkenyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkynyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” carbocyclyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heterocyclyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” aryl or “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroaryl group). In general, the term “substituted” means that at least one hydrogen present on a group is replaced with a permissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, or other reaction. Unless otherwise indicated, a “substituted” group has a substituent at one or more substitutable positions of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure is substituted, the substituent is either the same or different at each position. The term “substituted” is contemplated to include substitution with all permissible substituents of organic compounds, and includes any of the substituents described herein that results in the formation of a stable compound. The present invention contemplates any and all such combinations in order to arrive at a stable compound. For purposes of this invention, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any suitable substituent as described herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms and results in the formation of a stable moiety. The invention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the exemplary substituents described herein.

Exemplary carbon atom substituents include, but are not limited to, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —N₃, —SO₂H, —SO₃H, —OH, —OR^(aa), —ON(R^(bb))₂, —N(R^(bb))₂, —N(R^(bb))₃ ⁺X⁻, —N(OR^(cc))R^(bb), —SH, —SR^(aa), —SSR^(cc), —C(═O)R^(aa), —CO₂H, —CHO, —C(OR^(cc))₂, —CO₂R^(aa), —OC(═O)R^(aa), —OCO₂R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(bb)) OC(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —NR^(bb)(═O)R^(aa), —NR^(bb)CO₂R^(aa), —NR^(bb)C(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa), —OC(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —OC(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —OC(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —NR^(bb)C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═O)NR^(bb)SO₂R^(aa), —NR^(bb)SO₂R^(aa), —SO₂N(R^(bb))₂, —SO₂R^(aa), —SO₂OR^(aa), —OSO₂R^(aa), —S(═O)R^(aa), —OS(═O)R^(aa), —Si(R^(aa))₃, —OSi(R^(aa))₃—C(═S)N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═O)SR^(aa), —C(═S)SR^(aa), —SC(═S)SR^(aa), —SC(═O)SR^(aa), —OC(═O)SR^(aa), —SC(═O)OR^(aa), —SC(═O)R^(aa), —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, —OP(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —OP(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, —P(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, —OP(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, —NR^(bb)P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —NR^(bb)P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, —NR^(bb)P(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, —P(R^(cc))₂, —P(OR^(cc))₂, —P(R^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(OR^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(R^(cc))₄, —P(OR^(cc))₄, —OP(R^(cc))₂, —OP(R^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —OP(OR^(cc))₂, —OP(OR^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —OP(R^(cc))₄, —OP(OR^(cc))₄, —B(R^(aa))₂, —B(OR^(cc))₂, —BR^(aa)(OR^(cc)), C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroC₂₄₀ alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups; wherein X⁻ is a counterion;

or two geminal hydrogens on a carbon atom are replaced with the group ═O, ═S, ═NN(R^(bb))₂, ═NNR^(bb)C(═O)R^(aa), ═NNR^(bb)C(═O)OR^(aa), ═NNR^(bb)S(═O)₂R^(aa), ═NR^(bb), or ═NR^(cc),

each instance of R^(aa) is, independently, selected from C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(aa) groups are joined to form a 3-14 membered heterocyclyl or 5-14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups;

each instance of R^(bb) is, independently, selected from hydrogen, —OH, —OR^(aa), —N(R^(cc))₂, —CN, —C(═O)R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(cc))₂, —CO₂R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂R^(cc), —SO₂OR^(cc), —SOR^(aa), —C(═S)N(R^(cc))₂, —C(═O)SR^(cc), —C(═S)SR^(cc), —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, —P(═O)(N(R^(cc))₂)₂, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀alkyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(bb) groups are joined to form a 3-14 membered heterocyclyl or 5-14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups; wherein X⁻ is a counterion;

each instance of R^(cc) is, independently, selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(cc) groups are joined to form a 3-14 membered heterocyclyl or 5-14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups;

each instance of R^(dd) is, independently, selected from halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —N₃, —SO₂H, —SO₃H, —OH, —OR^(ee), —ON(R^(ff))₂, —N(R^(ff))₂, —N(R^(ff))₃ ⁺X⁻, —N(OR^(ee))R^(ff), —SH, —SR^(ee), —SSR^(ee), —C(═O)R^(ee), —CO₂H, —CO₂R^(ee), —OC(═O)R^(ee), —OCO₂R^(ee), —C(═O)N(R^(ff))₂, —OC(═O)N(R^(ff))₂, —NR^(ff)C(═O)R^(ee), —NR^(ff)CO₂R^(ee), —NR^(ff)C(═O)N(R^(ff))₂, —C(═NR^(ff))OR^(ee), —OC(═NR^(ff))R^(ee), —OC(═NR^(ff))OR^(ee), —C(═NR^(ff))N(R^(ff))₂, —OC(═NR^(ff))N(R^(ff))₂, —NR^(ff)C(═NR^(ff))N(R^(ff))₂, —NR^(ff)SO₂R^(ee), —SO₂N(R^(ff))₂, —SO₂R^(ee), —SO₂OR^(ee), —OSO₂R^(ee), —S(═O)R^(ee), —Si(R^(ee))₃, —OSi(R^(ee))₃, —C(═S)N(R^(ff))₂, —C(═O)SR^(ee), —C(═S)SR^(ee), —SC(═S)SR^(ee), —P(═O)(OR^(ee))₂, —P(═O)(R^(ee))₂, —OP(═O)(R^(ee))₂, —OP(═O)(OR^(ee))₂, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₆alkyl, heteroC₂₋₆alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, 5-10 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(gg) groups, or two geminal R^(dd) substituents can be joined to form ═O or ═S; wherein X⁻ is a counterion;

each instance of R^(ee) is, independently, selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₆ alkyl, heteroC₂₋₆alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, and 3-10 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(gg) groups;

each instance of R^(ff) is, independently, selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₆alkyl, heteroC₂₋₆alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₆alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl and 5-10 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(ff) groups are joined to form a 3-10 membered heterocyclyl or 5-10 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(gg) groups; and

each instance of R^(gg) is, independently, halogen, —CN, —NO₂, —N₃, —SO₂H, —SO₃H, —OH, —OC₁₋₆ alkyl, —ON(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₃ ⁺X⁻, —NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂ ⁺X⁻, —NH₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl)⁺X⁻, —NH₃ ⁺X⁻, —N(OC₁₋₆ alkyl)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —N(OH)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —NH(OH), —SH, —SC₁₋₆ alkyl, —SS(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —C(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —CO₂H, —CO₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —OC(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —OCO₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —C(═O)NH₂, —C(═O)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —OC(═O)NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —NHC(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)C(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —NHCO₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —NHC(═O)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(═O)NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —NHC(═O)NH₂, —C(═NH)₀(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —OC(═NH)(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —OC(═NH)₀C₁₋₆ alkyl, —C(═NH)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —C(═NH)NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —C(═NH)NH₂, —OC(═NH)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —OC(NH)NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —OC(NH)NH₂, —NHC(NH)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(═NH)NH₂, —NHSO₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —SO₂N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —SO₂NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂C₁₋₆ alkyl, —SO₂OC₁₋₆ alkyl, —OSO₂C₁₋₆ alkyl, —SOC₁₋₆ alkyl, —Si(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₃, —OSi(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₃-C(═S)N(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, C(═S)NH(C₁₋₆ alkyl), C(═S)NH₂, —C(═O)S(C₁₋₆ alkyl), —C(═S)SC₁₋₆ alkyl, —SC(═S)SC₁₋₆ alkyl, —P(═O)(OC₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —P(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —OP(═O)(C₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, —OP(═O)(OC₁₋₆ alkyl)₂, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₆ alkyl, heteroC₂₋₆alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, 3-10 membered heterocyclyl, 5-10 membered heteroaryl; or two geminal R^(gg) substituents can be joined to form ═O or ═S; wherein X⁻ is a counterion.

The term “halo” or “halogen” refers to fluorine (fluoro, —F), chlorine (chloro, —Cl), bromine (bromo, —Br), or iodine (iodo, —I).

The term “hydroxyl” or “hydroxy” refers to the group —OH. The term “substituted hydroxyl” or “substituted hydroxyl,” by extension, refers to a hydroxyl group wherein the oxygen atom directly attached to the parent molecule is substituted with a group other than hydrogen, and includes groups selected from —OR^(aa), —ON(R^(bb))₂, —OC(═O)SR^(aa), —OC(═O)R^(aa), —OCO₂R^(aa), —OC(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —OC(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —OC(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa), —OC(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —OS(═O)R^(aa), —OSO₂R^(aa), —OSi(R^(aa))₃, —OP(R^(cc))₂, —OP(R^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —OP(OR^(cc))₂, —OP(OR^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —OP(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —OP(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, and —OP(═O)(N(R^(bb)))₂, wherein X⁻, R^(aa), R^(bb), and R^(cc) are as defined herein.

The term “amino” refers to the group —NH₂. The term “substituted amino,” by extension, refers to a monosubstituted amino, a disubstituted amino, or a trisubstituted amino. In certain embodiments, the “substituted amino” is a monosubstituted amino or a disubstituted amino group.

The term “monosubstituted amino” refers to an amino group wherein the nitrogen atom directly attached to the parent molecule is substituted with one hydrogen and one group other than hydrogen, and includes groups selected from —NH(R^(bb)), —NHC(═O)R^(aa), —NHCO₂R^(aa), —NHC(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —NHC(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —NHSO₂R^(aa), —NHP(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, and —NHP(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, wherein R^(aa), R^(bb) and R^(cc) are as defined herein, and wherein R^(bb) of the group —NH(R^(bb)) is not hydrogen.

The term “disubstituted amino” refers to an amino group wherein the nitrogen atom directly attached to the parent molecule is substituted with two groups other than hydrogen, and includes groups selected from —N(R^(bb))₂, —NR^(bb)C(═O)R^(aa), —NR^(bb)CO₂R^(aa), —NR^(bb)(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —NR^(bb)C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —NR^(bb)SO₂R^(aa), —NR^(bb)P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, and —NR^(bb)P(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, wherein R^(aa), R^(bb), and R^(cc) are as defined herein, with the proviso that the nitrogen atom directly attached to the parent molecule is not substituted with hydrogen.

The term “trisubstituted amino” refers to an amino group wherein the nitrogen atom directly attached to the parent molecule is substituted with three groups, and includes groups selected from —N(R^(bb))₃ and —N(R^(bb))₃ ⁺X⁻, wherein R^(bb) and X⁻ are as defined herein.

The term “sulfonyl” refers to a group selected from —SO₂N(R^(bb))₂, —SO₂R^(aa), and —SO₂OR^(aa), wherein R^(aa) and R^(bb) are as defined herein.

The term “sulfinyl” refers to the group —S(═O)R^(aa), wherein R^(aa) is as defined herein.

The term “acyl” refers to a group having the general formula —C(═O)R^(X), —C(═O)OR^(X1), —C(═O)—O—C(═O)R^(X1), —C(═O)SR^(X1), —C(═O)N(R^(X1))₂, —C(═S)R^(X1), —C(═S)N(R^(X1))₂, and —C(═S)S(R^(X1)), —C(═NR^(X1))R^(X1), —C(═NR^(X1))OR^(X1), —C(═NR^(X1))SR^(X1), and —C(═NR^(X1))N(R^(X1))₂, wherein R^(X1) is hydrogen; halogen; substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyl; substituted or unsubstituted thiol; substituted or unsubstituted amino; substituted or unsubstituted acyl, cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched aliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched heteroaliphatic; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched alkyl; cyclic or acyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched alkenyl; substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, aliphaticoxy, heteroaliphaticoxy, alkyloxy, heteroalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aliphaticthioxy, heteroaliphaticthioxy, alkylthioxy, heteroalkylthioxy, arylthioxy, heteroarylthioxy, mono- or di-aliphaticamino, mono- or di-heteroaliphaticamino, mono- or di-alkylamino, mono- or di-heteroalkylamino, mono- or di-arylamino, or mono- or di-heteroarylamino; or two R^(X1) groups taken together form a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring. Exemplary acyl groups include aldehydes (—CHO), carboxylic acids (—CO₂H), ketones, acyl halides, esters, amides, imines, carbonates, carbamates, and ureas. Acyl substituents include, but are not limited to, any of the substituents described herein, that result in the formation of a stable moiety (e.g., aliphatic, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroaliphatic, heterocyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, oxo, imino, thiooxo, cyano, isocyano, amino, azido, nitro, hydroxyl, thiol, halo, aliphaticamino, heteroaliphaticamino, alkylamino, heteroalkylamino, arylamino, heteroarylamino, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aliphaticoxy, heteroaliphaticoxy, alkyloxy, heteroalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aliphaticthioxy, heteroaliphaticthioxy, alkylthioxy, heteroalkylthioxy, arylthioxy, heteroarylthioxy, acyloxy, and the like, each of which may or may not be further substituted).

The term “carbonyl” refers a group wherein the carbon directly attached to the parent molecule is sp² hybridized, and is substituted with an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom, e.g., a group selected from ketones (—C(═O)R^(aa)), carboxylic acids (—CO₂H), aldehydes (—CHO), esters (—CO₂R^(aa), —C(═O)SR^(aa), —C(═S)SR^(aa)), amides (—C(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═O)NR^(bb)SO₂R^(aa), —C(═S)N(R^(bb))₂), imines (C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa)), —C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂), wherein R^(aa) and R^(bb) are as defined herein.

Nitrogen atoms can be substituted or unsubstituted as valency permits, and include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary nitrogen atoms. Exemplary nitrogen atom substituents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, —OH, —OR^(aa), —N(R^(cc))₂, —CN, —C(═O)R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(cc))₂, —CO₂R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂R^(cc), —SO₂OR^(cc), —SOR^(aa), —C(═S)N(R^(cc))₂, —C(═O)SR^(cc), —C(═S)SR^(cc), —P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)(N(R^(cc))₂)₂, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀alkyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(cc) groups attached to an N atom are joined to form a 3-14 membered heterocyclyl or 5-14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups, and wherein R^(aa), R^(bb), R^(cc) and R^(dd) are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, the substituent present on the nitrogen atom is an nitrogen protecting group (also referred to herein as an “amino protecting group”). Nitrogen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, —OH, —OR^(aa), —N(R^(cc))₂, —C(═O)R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(cc))₂, —CO₂R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂R^(cc), —SO₂OR^(cc), —SOR^(aa), —C(═S)N(R^(cc))₂, —C(═O)SR^(cc), —C(═S)SR^(cc), C₁₋₁₀ alkyl (e.g., aralkyl, heteroaralkyl), C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, heteroC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, heteroC₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl groups, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups, and wherein R^(aa), R^(bb), R^(cc) and R^(dd) are as defined herein. Nitrogen protecting groups are well known in the art and include those described in detail in Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, 3^(rd) edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1999, incorporated herein by reference.

For example, nitrogen protecting groups such as amide groups (e.g., —C(═O)R^(aa)) include, but are not limited to, formamide, acetamide, chloroacetamide, trichloroacetamide, trifluoroacetamide, phenylacetamide, 3-phenylpropanamide, picolinamide, 3-pyridylcarboxamide, N-benzoylphenylalanyl derivative, benzamide, p-phenylbenzamide, o-nitophenylacetamide, o-nitrophenoxyacetamide, acetoacetamide, (N′-dithiobenzyloxyacylamino)acetamide, 3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propanamide, 3-(o-nitrophenyl)propanamide, 2-methyl-2-(o-nitrophenoxy)propanamide, 2-methyl-2-(o-phenyl azophenoxy)propanamide, 4-chlorobutanamide, 3-methyl-3-nitrobutanamide, o-nitrocinnamide, N-acetylmethionine derivative, o-nitrobenzamide and o-(benzoyloxymethyl)benzamide.

Nitrogen protecting groups such as carbamate groups (e.g., —C(═O)OR^(aa)) include, but are not limited to, methyl carbamate, ethyl carbamate, 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate (Fmoc), 9-(2-sulfo)fluorenylmethyl carbamate, 9-(2,7-dibromo)fluoroenylmethyl carbamate, 2,7-di-t-butyl-[9-(10,10-dioxo-10,10,10,10-tetrahydrothioxanthyl)]methyl carbamate (DBD-Tmoc), 4-methoxyphenacyl carbamate (Phenoc), 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate (Troc), 2-trimethylsilylethyl carbamate (Teoc), 2-phenylethyl carbamate (hZ), 1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylethyl carbamate (Adpoc), 1,1-dimethyl-2-haloethyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-2,2-dibromoethyl carbamate (DB-t-BOC), 1,1-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbamate (TCBOC), 1-methyl-1-(4-biphenylyl)ethyl carbamate (Bpoc), 1-(3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-1-methylethyl carbamate (t-Bumeoc), 2-(2′- and 4′-pyridyl)ethyl carbamate (Pyoc), 2-(N,N-dicyclohexylcarboxamido)ethyl carbamate, t-butyl carbamate (BOC or Boc), 1-adamantyl carbamate (Adoc), vinyl carbamate (Voc), allyl carbamate (Alloc), 1-isopropylallyl carbamate (Ipaoc), cinnamyl carbamate (Coc), 4-nitrocinnamyl carbamate (Noc), 8-quinolyl carbamate, N-hydroxypiperidinyl carbamate, alkyldithio carbamate, benzyl carbamate (Cbz), p-methoxybenzyl carbamate (Moz), p-nitrobenzyl carbamate, p-bromobenzyl carbamate, p-chlorobenzyl carbamate, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl carbamate, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl carbamate (Msz), 9-anthrylmethyl carbamate, diphenylmethyl carbamate, 2-methylthioethyl carbamate, 2-methylsulfonylethyl carbamate, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl carbamate, [2-(1,3-dithianyl)]methyl carbamate (Dmoc), 4-methylthiophenyl carbamate (Mtpc), 2,4-dimethylthiophenyl carbamate (Bmpc), 2-phosphonioethyl carbamate (Peoc), 2-triphenylphosphonioisopropyl carbamate (Ppoc), 1,1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethyl carbamate, m-chloro-p-acyloxybenzyl carbamate, p-(dihydroxyboryl)benzyl carbamate, 5-benzisoxazolylmethyl carbamate, 2-(trifluoromethyl)-6-chromonylmethyl carbamate (Tcroc), m-nitrophenyl carbamate, 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl carbamate, o-nitrobenzyl carbamate, 3,4-dimethoxy-6-nitrobenzyl carbamate, phenyl(o-nitrophenyl)methyl carbamate, t-amyl carbamate, S-benzyl thiocarbamate, p-cyanobenzyl carbamate, cyclobutyl carbamate, cyclohexyl carbamate, cyclopentyl carbamate, cyclopropylmethyl carbamate, p-decyloxybenzyl carbamate, 2,2-dimethoxyacylvinyl carbamate, o-(N,N-dimethylcarboxamido)benzyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethylcarboxamido)propyl carbamate, 1,1-dimethylpropynyl carbamate, di(2-pyridyl)methyl carbamate, 2-furanylmethyl carbamate, 2-iodoethyl carbamate, isoborynl carbamate, isobutyl carbamate, isonicotinyl carbamate, p-(p′-methoxyphenylazo)benzyl carbamate, 1-methyl cyclobutyl carbamate, 1-methylcyclohexyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-cyclopropylmethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(p-phenylazophenyl)ethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl carbamate, 1-methyl-1-(4-pyridyl)ethyl carbamate, phenyl carbamate, p-(phenylazo)benzyl carbamate, 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl carbamate, 4-(trimethylammonium)benzyl carbamate, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl carbamate.

Nitrogen protecting groups such as sulfonamide groups (e.g., —S(═O)₂R^(aa)) include, but are not limited to, p-toluenesulfonamide (Ts), benzenesulfonamide, 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (Mtr), 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzenesulfonamide (Mtb), 2,6-dimethyl-4-methoxyb enzenesulfonamide (Pme), 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (Mte), 4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (Mb s), 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonamide (Mts), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (iMds), 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-sulfonamide (Pmc), methanesulfonamide (Ms), β-trimethylsilylethanesulfonamide (SES), 9-anthracenesulfonamide, 4-(4′,8′-dimethoxynaphthylmethyl)benzenesulfonamide (DNMBS), benzylsulfonamide, trifluoromethylsulfonamide, and phenacylsulfonamide.

Other nitrogen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, phenothiazinyl-(10)-acyl derivative, N′-p-toluenesulfonylaminoacyl derivative, N′-phenylaminothioacyl derivative, N-benzoylphenylalanyl derivative, N-acetylmethionine derivative, 4,5-diphenyl-3-oxazolin-2-one, N-phthalimide, N-dithiasuccinimide (Dts), N-2,3-diphenylmaleimide, N-2,5-dimethylpyrrole, N-1,1,4,4-tetramethyldisilylazacyclopentane adduct (STABASE), 5-substituted 1,3-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, 5-substituted 1,3-dibenzyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, 1-substituted 3,5-dinitro-4-pyridone, N-methylamine, N-allylamine, N-[2-(trimethyl silyl)ethoxy]methylamine (SEM), N-3-acetoxypropylamine, N-(1-isopropyl-4-nitro-2-oxo-3-pyroolin-3-yl)amine, quaternary ammonium salts, N-benzylamine, N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)methylamine, N-5-dibenzosuberylamine, N-triphenylmethylamine (Tr), N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl]amine (MMTr), N-9-phenylfluorenylamine (PhF), N-2,7-dichloro-9-fluorenylmethyleneamine, N-ferrocenylmethylamino (Fcm), N-2-picolylamino N′-oxide, N-1,1-dimethylthiomethyleneamine, N-benzylideneamine, N-p-methoxybenzylideneamine, N-diphenylmethyleneamine, N-[(2-pyridyl)mesityl]methyleneamine, N—(N′,N′-dimethylaminomethylene)amine, N,N′-isopropylidenediamine, N-p-nitrobenzylideneamine, N-salicylideneamine, N-5-chlorosalicylideneamine, N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)phenylmethyleneamine, N-cyclohexylideneamine, N-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-cyclohexenyl)amine, N-borane derivative, N-diphenylborinic acid derivative, N-[phenyl(pentaacylchromium- or tungsten)acyl]amine, N-copper chelate, N-zinc chelate, N-nitroamine, N-nitrosoamine, amine N-oxide, diphenylphosphinamide (Dpp), dimethylthiophosphinamide (Mpt), diphenylthiophosphinamide (Ppt), dialkyl phosphoramidates, dibenzyl phosphoramidate, diphenyl phosphoramidate, benzenesulfenamide, o-nitrobenzenesulfenamide (Nps), 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfenami de, pentachlorobenzenesulfenamide, 2-nitro-4-methoxybenzenesulfenamide, triphenylmethylsulfenamide, and 3-nitropyridinesulfenamide (Npys).

In certain embodiments, the substituent present on an oxygen atom is an oxygen protecting group (also referred to herein as an “hydroxyl protecting group”). Oxygen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, —R^(aa), —N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═O)SR^(aa), —C(═O)R^(aa), —CO₂R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —S(═O)R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —Si(R^(aa))₃, —P(R^(cc))₂, —P(R^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(OR^(cc))₂, —P(OR^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, and —P(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, wherein X⁻, R^(aa), R^(bb), and R^(cc) are as defined herein. Oxygen protecting groups are well known in the art and include those described in detail in Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, 3^(rd) edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1999, incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary oxygen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, methoxylmethyl (MOM), methylthiomethyl (MTM), t-butylthiomethyl, (phenyldimethylsilyl)methoxymethyl (SMOM), benzyloxymethyl (BOM), p-methoxybenzyloxymethyl (PMBM), (4-methoxyphenoxy)methyl (p-AOM), guaiacolmethyl (GUM), t-butoxymethyl, 4-pentenyloxymethyl (POM), siloxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl (MEM), 2,2,2-trichloroethoxymethyl, bis(2-chloroethoxy)methyl, 2-(trimethyl silyl)ethoxymethyl (SEMOR), tetrahydropyranyl (THP), 3-bromotetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1-methoxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxytetrahydropyranyl (MTHP), 4-methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl, 4-methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl S,S-dioxide, 1-[(2-chloro-4-methyl)phenyl]-4-methoxypiperidin-4-yl (CTMP), 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiofuranyl, 2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octahydro-7,8,8-trimethyl-4,7-methanobenzofuran-2-yl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-(2-chloroethoxy)ethyl, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-benzyloxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-benzyloxy-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2-trimethylsilylethyl, 2-(phenylselenyl)ethyl, t-butyl, allyl, p-chlorophenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, 2,4-dinitrophenyl, benzyl (Bn), p-methoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-halobenzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl, p-cyanobenzyl, p-phenylbenzyl, 2-picolyl, 4-picolyl, 3-methyl-2-picolyl N-oxido, diphenylmethyl, p,p′-dinitrobenzhydryl, 5-dibenzosuberyl, triphenylmethyl, α-naphthyldiphenylmethyl, p-methoxyphenyldiphenylmethyl, di(p-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethyl, tri(p-methoxyphenyl)methyl, 4-(4′-bromophenacyloxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(4,5-dichlorophthalimidophenyl)methyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(levulinoyloxyphenyl)methyl, 4,4′,4″-tris(benzoyloxyphenyl)methyl, 3-(imidazol-1-yl)bis(4′,4″-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl, 1,1-bi s(4-methoxyphenyl)-1′-pyrenylmethyl, 9-anthryl, 9-(9-phenyl)xanthenyl, 9-(9-phenyl-10-oxo)anthryl, 1,3-benzodithiolan-2-yl, benzisothiazolyl S,S-dioxido, trimethylsilyl (TMS), triethylsilyl (TES), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS), dimethylisopropylsilyl (IPDMS), diethylisopropylsilyl (DEIPS), dimethylthexylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), t-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS), tribenzylsilyl, tri-p-xylylsilyl, triphenylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl (DPMS), t-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl (TBMPS), formate, benzoylformate, acetate, chloroacetate, dichloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methoxyacetate, triphenylmethoxyacetate, phenoxyacetate, p-chlorophenoxyacetate, 3-phenylpropionate, 4-oxopentanoate (levulinate), 4,4-(ethylenedithio)pentanoate (levulinoyldithioacetal), pivaloate, adamantoate, crotonate, 4-methoxycrotonate, benzoate, p-phenylbenzoate, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoate (mesitoate), methyl carbonate, 9-fluorenylmethyl carbonate (Fmoc), ethyl carbonate, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbonate (Troc), 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl carbonate (TMSEC), 2-(phenylsulfonyl) ethyl carbonate (Psec), 2-(triphenylphosphonio) ethyl carbonate (Peoc), isobutyl carbonate, vinyl carbonate, allyl carbonate, t-butyl carbonate (BOC or Boc), p-nitrophenyl carbonate, benzyl carbonate, p-methoxybenzyl carbonate, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl carbonate, o-nitrobenzyl carbonate, p-nitrobenzyl carbonate, S-benzyl thiocarbonate, 4-ethoxy-1-naphthyl carbonate, methyl dithiocarbonate, 2-iodobenzoate, 4-azidobutyrate, 4-nitro-4-methylpentanoate, o-(dibromomethyl)benzoate, 2-formylbenzenesulfonate, 2-(methylthiomethoxy)ethyl, 4-(methylthiomethoxy)butyrate, 2-(methylthiomethoxymethyl)benzoate, 2,6-dichloro-4-methylphenoxyacetate, 2,6-dichloro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxyacetate, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenoxyacetate, chlorodiphenylacetate, isobutyrate, monosuccinoate, (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate, o-(methoxyacyl)benzoate, α-naphthoate, nitrate, alkyl N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylphosphorodiamidate, alkyl N-phenylcarbamate, borate, dimethylphosphinothioyl, alkyl 2,4-dinitrophenylsulfenate, sulfate, methanesulfonate (mesylate), benzyl sulfonate, and tosylate (Ts).

In certain embodiments, the substituent present on a sulfur atom is a sulfur protecting group (also referred to as a “thiol protecting group”). Sulfur protecting groups include, but are not limited to, —R^(aa), —N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═O)SR^(aa), —C(═O)R^(aa), —CO₂R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(bb))₂, —C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))N(R^(bb))₂, —S(═O)R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —Si(R^(aa))₃, —P(R^(cc))₂, —P(R^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(OR^(cc))₂, —P(OR^(cc))₃ ⁺X⁻, —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)(OR^(cc))₂, and —P(═O)(N(R^(bb))₂)₂, wherein R^(aa), R^(bb), and R^(cc) are as defined herein. Sulfur protecting groups are well known in the art and include those described in detail in Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, 3^(rd) edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1999, incorporated herein by reference.

A “counterion” or “anionic counterion” is a negatively charged group associated with a positively charged group in order to maintain electronic neutrality. An anionic counterion may be monovalent (i.e., including one formal negative charge). An anionic counterion may also be multivalent (i.e., including more than one formal negative charge), such as divalent or trivalent. Exemplary counterions include halide ions (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻), NO₃ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, OH⁻, H₂PO₄ ⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, HSO₄ ⁻, sulfonate ions (e.g., methansulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, 10-camphor sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid-5-sulfonate, ethan-1-sulfonic acid-2-sulfonate, and the like), carboxylate ions (e.g., acetate, propanoate, benzoate, glycerate, lactate, tartrate, glycolate, gluconate, and the like), BF₄ ⁻, PF₄ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻, B[3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃]₄]⁻, B(C₆F₅)₄, BPh₄ ⁻, Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄ ⁻, and carborane anions (e.g., CB₁₁H₁₂ ⁻ or (HCB₁₁Me₅Br₆)⁻). Exemplary counterions which may be multivalent include CO₃ ²⁻, HPO₄ ²⁻, PO₄ ³⁻, B₄O₇ ²⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, S₂O₃ ²⁻, carboxylate anions (e.g., tartrate, citrate, fumarate, maleate, malate, malonate, gluconate, succinate, glutarate, adipate, pimelate, suberate, azelate, sebacate, salicylate, phthalates, aspartate, glutamate, and the like), and carboranes.

As used herein, use of the phrase “at least one instance” refers to 1, 2, 3, 4, or more instances, but also encompasses a range, e.g., for example, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 3, from 1 to 2, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 3, or from 3 to 4 instances, inclusive.

These and other exemplary substituents are described in more detail throughout. The invention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the above exemplary listing of substituents.

As used herein, the term “salt” refers to any and all salts, and encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, Berge et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19, incorporated herein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and perchloric acid or with organic acids, such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid, or malonic acid or by using other methods known in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, and N⁺(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₄ ⁻ salts. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate, and aryl sulfonate.

EXAMPLES PEG Shedding of PEG Lipids in Human Serum

PEG shedding rates of PEG lipids/LNPs provided herein were tested by measuring percent (%) LNP-bound PEG after various time points in human serum. The data is summarized in FIGS. 1-4. PEG shedding rates of ionizable amino lipid-PEG lipid formulations were also tested my measuring percent (%) LNP-bound PEG after various time points in human serum. This data is summarized in FIGS. 5-7. The data show that PEG lipid and LNP formulations provided herein exhibit increased PEG shedding rates when compared to certain PEG lipid/LNP formulations.

The rate of PEG shedding is determined by DOSY NMR. An exemplary procedure is described as follows: (1) add 280 uL human serum, 40 uL D₂O, and 80 uL LNP (at 0.5 mg/mL [RNA]) together in Eppendorf tube; (2) Place sample in NMR tube using glass pipet; (3) Measure 2D DOSY NMR (ledbpgp2s) experiment repeatedly over a 24-hour time period (each experiment is approximately 30 minutes); (4) From DOSY experiments, extrapolate the diffusion coefficient of PEG at each time point; (5) Convert the diffusion coefficient at each time point to percent (%) LNP-bound PEG (as shown in Wilson et al.); (6) Plot percent (%) LNP-Bound PEG versus time to show PEG shedding rate. For further reference, see, e.g., Wilson et al. “Real time measurement of PEG shedding from lipid nanoparticles in serum via NMR spectroscopy”. Mol. Pharm. 2015, 2, 386-392.

Synthesis of PEG Lipids

Representative Procedure 1: A solution of octadecan-1-ol 1 (1.08 g, 4 mmol) and succinic anhydride 2a (400 mg, 4 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was heated to reflux overnight. TLC showed small amount of 1 left. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂: EtOAc/dichloromethane 0 to 100%) to give 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid (1.0 g, 67%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.07 (t, 2H, J=6.7 Hz); 2.59-2.69 (m, 4H); 1.54-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.5 Hz).

Compound 3b: 5-(Octadecyloxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid

Same as representative procedure 1 but using glutaric anhydride instead of succinic anhydride. White solid, 810 mg, 52%. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.05 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 2.43 (t, 2H, J=7.1 Hz); 2.38 (t, 2H, J=7.1 Hz); 1.95 (quint, 2H, J=7.1 Hz); 1.54-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.5 Hz).

Compound 3c: 2-(2-(Octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid

Same as representative procedure 1 but using diglycolic anhydride instead of succinic anhydride. White solid, 920 mg, 59%. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.26 (s, 2H); 4.25 (s, 2H); 4.19 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 1.60-1.68 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 3d: 2-((2-(Octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)thio)acetic acid

Same as representative procedure 1 but using thiodiglycolic anhydride instead of succinic anhydride. White solid, 980 mg, 61%. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.13 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 3.43 (s, 2H); 3.42 (s, 2H); 1.59-1.68 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 3e: N-Methyl-N-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)glycine

Same as representative procedure 1 but using (N-methylimino)diacetic anhydride instead of succinic anhydride. White solid, 1.16 g, 72%. MS (CI): m/z (MH⁺) 400.3 for C₂₃H₄₅NO₄. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.13 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 3.46 (s, 2H); 3.36 (s, 2H); 2.54 (s, 3H); 1.58-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 4a: Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 Octadecyl Succinate

Representative Procedure 2: A mixture of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid 3a (74 mg, 0.2 mmol), PEG2000 (1.20 g, 0.6 mmol), EDCI (58 mg, 0.3 mmol) and DMAP (5 mg, 0.04 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 1 N HCl. After concentration, the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂: MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 20%) to give poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 octadecyl succinate (285 mg, 60%) as white wax. HPLC/ELSD: RT=10.36 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.22 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz); 4.05 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz); 3.62 (bs, 180H); 2.58-2.67 (m, 4H); 2.10 (bs, 2H); 1.55-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 4b: Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 Octadecyl Glutarate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using 5-(octadecyloxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 240 mg, 50%. HPLC/ELSD: RT=11.49 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz); 4.04 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz); 3.62 (bs, 180H); 2.39 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz); 2.35 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz); 2.15 (bs, 2H); 1.93 (quint, 2H, J=7.2 Hz); 1.54-1.63 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 4c: Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 octadecyl 2,2′-oxydiacetate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 146 mg, 30%. HPLC/ELSD: RT=12.72 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.31 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz); 4.25 (d, 2H, J=5.8 Hz); 4.22 (s, 2H); 4.14 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz); 3.62 (bs, 180H); 1.55-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 4d: Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 octadecyl 2,2′-thiodiacetate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using 2-((2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)thio)acetic acid instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 303 mg, 63%. HPLC/ELSD: RT=13.30 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.27 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz); 4.10 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 3.62 (bs, 180H); 3.40 (s, 2H); 3.38 (s, 2H); 1.55-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 4e: Poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 octadecyl 2,2′-(methylazanediyl)diacetate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using N-methyl-N-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)glycine instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 74 mg, 15%. HPLC/ELSD: RT=8.83 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.26 (t, 2H, J=4.7 Hz); 4.09 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 3.62 (bs, 180H); 3.53 (s, 2H); 3.49 (s, 2H); 2.52 (s, 3H); 1.55-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.24 (bs, 30H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 6a: Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-heptadecanoate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using heptadecanoic acid 5a instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 130 mg. Melting point 52-54° C. HPLC/ELSD: RT=9.21 min.: NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.33-3.89 (m, 192H); 2.67 (br.s, 1H); 2.30 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz); 1.59 (m, 2H); 1.23 (br.s, 26H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

Compound 6b: Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-hexadecanoate

Same as representative procedure but using palmitic acid 5b instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 101 mg. Melting point 52-54° C. HPLC/ELSD: RT=10.61 min.: NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.21 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz); 3.53-3.84 (m, 192H); 2.66 (br.s, 1H); 2.31 (t, 2H, J=7.8 Hz); 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.28 (br.s, 24H); 0.84 (t, 3H, J=6.3 Hz).

Compound 6c: Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-pentadecanoate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using pentadecanoic acid 5c instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 130 mg. Melting point 52-54° C. HPLC/ELSD: RT=9.70 min.: NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.21 (m, 2H); 3.53-3.78 (m, 192H); 2.66 (br.s, 1H); 2.31 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz); 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.24 (br.s, 22H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz).

Compound 6d: Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-tetradecanoate

Same as representative procedure 2 but using tetradecanoic acid 5d instead of 4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid. White solid, 220 mg. Melting point 52-54° C. HPLC/ELSD: RT=9.07 min.: NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ ppm 4.21 (m, 2H); 3.39-3.89 (m, 192H); 2.70 (br.s, 1H); 2.30 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz); 1.59 (m, 2H); 1.24 (br.s, 20H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=6.8 Hz).

LCMS Methods

Instrument Information: HPLC/MS-Agilent 1100; Column: Agela Technologies Durashell C18 3.5 μm, 100 Å, 4.6×50 mm; Mobile Phase A: Water/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Mobile Phase B: Acetonitrile/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Flow Rate: 1 mL/min; Gradient: 20% B to 100% B in 9 minutes, hold 100% B to 5 minutes, 100% B to 20% B in 2 minutes, 20% B for 1 minute, and then stop; Column Temperature: Ambient; Detector: ELSD.

Compound 2-3a: 2-(2-(Hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid

Representative Procedure A: To a solution of diglycolic anhydride 2-1 (2.32 g, 20 mmol) and hexadecan-1-ol 2-2a (2.42 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added DMAP (3.05 g, 25 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. More dichloromethane (200 mL) was added, and the reaction was quenched by 1 M HCl solution (100 mL). The organic layer was then separated and washed with 1 M HCl (50 mL×2) and brine (100 mL). The dichloromethane solution was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated to give 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid (3.26 g, 91%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.25 (s, 4H); 4.19 (m, 2H); 1.64 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.41 (m, 26H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-5a: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

Representative Procedure B: To a solution of 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid 2-3a (343 mg, 0.96 mmol) and benzyl PEG2000 2-4 (1 g, 0.48 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added EDC (277 mg, 1.44 mmol) and DMAP (59 mg, 0.48 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1 M HCl solution (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL×2). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (1.02 g, 87%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.56 (s, 2H); 4.31 (m, 2H); 4.27 (s, 2H); 4.21 (s, 2H); 4.14 (t, 2H, J=8.2 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 1.15-1.31 (m, 26H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-6a: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

Representative Procedure C: To a solution of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate 2-5a (1.02 g, 0.42 mmol) in EtOH (100 mL) was added Pd(OH)₂/C (200 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen balloon at room temperature for 6 hours. The solid was removed by filtering through a pad of Celite. The combined organic solution was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 20%) to give (Polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (964 mg, 98%) as white solid. HPLC/ELSD: RT=9.94 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.31 (m, 2H); 4.26 (s, 2H); 4.21 (s, 2H); 4.14 (t, 2H, J=8.2 Hz), 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 1.63 (m, 2H); 1.17-1.35 (m, 26H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-3b: 2-(2-(Tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid

Same as the representative procedure A but using tetradecan-1-ol instead of hexadecan-1-ol. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.26 (s, 2H); 4.25 (s, 2H); 4.19 (m, 2H); 1.64 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.41 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-5b: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

Same as the representative procedure B but using 2-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid instead of 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.31 (m, 2H); 4.27 (s, 2H); 4.22 (s, 2H); 4.14 (t, 2H, J=8.2 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 1.64 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.31 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-6b: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

Same as the representative procedure C but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate instead of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate. HPLC/ELSD: RT=8.40 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.30 (m, 2H); 4.26 (s, 2H); 4.21 (s, 2H); 4.14 (t, 2H, J=8.2 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 1.63 (m, 2H); 1.17-1.38 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-8a: 4-(Hexadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid

Same as the representative procedure A but using succinic anhydride instead of diglycolic anhydride. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.08 (t, 2H, J=6.5 Hz); 2.65 (m, 4H); 1.61 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.41 (m, 26H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.6 Hz).

Compound 2-9a: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) Hexadecyl Succinate

Same as the representative procedure B but using 4-(hexadecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid instead of 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.56 (s, 2H); 4.23 (m, 2H); 4.06 (t, 2H, J=9.3 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.63 (m, 4H); 1.59 (m, 2H); 1.24-1.38 (m, 26H); 0.86 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-10a: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) Hexadecyl Succinate

Same as the representative procedure C but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) hexadecyl succinate instead of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate. HPLC/ELSD: RT=10.42 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.23 (m, 2H); 4.06 (t, 2H, J=9.2 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.63 (m, 4H); 1.59 (m, 2H); 1.16-1.38 (m, 26H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-8b: 4-(Tetradecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid

Same as the representative procedure A but using tetradecan-1-ol and succinic anhydride. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.08 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz); 2.65 (m, 4H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.41 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.14 Hz).

Compound 2-9b: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) Tetradecyl Succinate

Same as the representative procedure B but using 4-(tetradecyloxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid instead of 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.34 (m, 5H); 4.56 (s, 2H); 4.24 (m, 2H); 4.07 (t, 2H, J=9.3 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.63 (m, 4H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.18-1.38 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 2-10b: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) Tetradecyl Succinate

Same as the procedure C but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) tetradecyl succinate instead of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate. HPLC/ELSD: RT=8.86 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.23 (m, 2H); 4.06 (t, 2H, J=9.2 Hz); 3.38-3.85 (m, 172H); 2.62 (m, 4H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.16-1.38 (m, 22H); 0.87 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Compound 12: 2-(2-((2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid

To a solution of diglycolic anhydride 2-1 (4.64 g, 40 mmol) and solketal 11 (2.64 g, 20 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added DMAP (7.32 g, 60 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. After more dichloromethane (100 mL) was added, the reaction was quenched by 1 M HCl solution (100 mL). The organic layer was then separated and washed with brine (100 mL). The dichloromethane solution was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated to give 2-(2-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid (1.83 g, 38%) as colorless oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.27-4.29 (m, 6H); 4.18 (m, 1H); 4.08 (m, 1H); 3.74 (m, 1H); 1.43 (s, 3H); 1.36 (s, 3H).

Compound 13: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

To a solution of 2-(2-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid 12 (1.1 g, 4.4 mmol) and benzyl PEG2000 2-4 (4.5 g, 2.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added EDC (1.7 g, 8.8 mmol) and DMAP (270 mg, 2.2 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1 M HCl solution (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL×2). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (4.96 g, 97%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.54 (s, 2H); 4.05-4.34 (m, 10H); 3.39-3.85 (m, 176H); 1.41 (s, 3H); 1.34 (s, 3H).

Compound 14: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2, 3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-oxoethoxy) acetate

A solution of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate 13 (1.94 g, 0.84 moles) in 80% HOAc/H₂O was heated at 80° C. for 5 hours. After the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, the solvent was removed to get the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 20%) to give (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (1.56 g, 97%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.20-4.34 (m, 8H); 3.39-3.85 (m, 176H).

Compound 16: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2, 3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propoxy)-2-oxoethoxy) acetate

To a solution of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate 14 (1.18 g, 0.51 mmol) and tetradecanoic acid 15 (465 mg, 2.04 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added EDC (783 mg, 4.08 mmol) and DMAP (124 mg, 1.02 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1 M HCl solution (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL×2). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (1.22 g, 89%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 5.26 (m, 1H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.11-4.35 (m, 10H); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.30 (t, 4H, J=7.4 Hz); 1.59 (m, 4H); 1.15-1.35 (m, 40H); 0.87 (m, 6H).

Compound 17: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

To a solution of (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate 16 (458 mg, 0.17 mmol) in EtOAc (50 mL) was added Pd(OH)₂/C (100 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen balloon at room temperature overnight. The solid was then removed by filtering through a pad of Celite. The organic solution was concentrated, and the residue was triturated by hexane to give (polyethylene glycol 2000) 2-(2-(2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propoxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (374 mg, 84%) as white solid. HPLC/ELSD: RT=17.12 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 5.26 (m, 1H); 4.11-4.39 (m, 10H); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.78 (br.s, 1H); 2.30 (t, 4H, J=8.7 Hz); 1.59 (m, 4H); 1.15-1.35 (m, 40H); 0.87 (m, 6H).

Compound 19: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) ((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl) succinate

To a solution of succinic anhydride 2-7 (1.0 g, 10 mmol) and solketal 11 (1.32 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added DMAP (2.44 g, 20 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. To the reaction mixture were then added benzyl PEG2000 2-4 (5.0 g, 2.4 mmol) and EDC (5.8 g, 30 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1 M HCl solution (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL×2). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) ((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl) succinate (4.88 g, 88%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.54 (s, 2H); 4.05-4.34 (m, 6H); 3.39-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.65 (s, 4H); 1.41 (s, 3H); 1.34 (s, 3H).

Compound 20: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) (2, 3-dihydroxypropyl) succinate

Same as the procedure for preparing compound 14 but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) ((2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl) succinate. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.17-4.25 (m, 4H); 3.39-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.66 (s, 4H).

Compound 21: (Benzyl Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propyl succinate

Same as the procedure for preparing compound 16 but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) succinate. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.33 (m, 5H); 5.25 (m, 1H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.09-4.35 (m, 6H); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.63 (s, 4H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 1.59 (m, 4H); 1.15-1.35 (m, 40H); 0.87 (m, 6H).

Compound 22: (Polyethylene Glycol 2000) 2, 3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propyl succinate

Same as the procedure for preparing compound 17 but using (benzyl polyethylene glycol 2000) 2,3-bis(tetradecanoyloxy)propyl succinate. HPLC/ELSD: RT=18.32 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 5.25 (m, 1H); 4.09-4.33 (m, 6H); 3.38-3.85 (m, 176H); 2.63 (s, 4H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 1.59 (m, 4H); 1.15-1.40 (m, 40H); 0.87 (m, 6H).

LCMS Methods

Instrument Information: HPLC/MS-Agilent 1100; Column: Agela Technologies Durashell C18 3.5 μm, 100 Å, 4.6×50 mm; Mobile Phase A: Water/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Mobile Phase B: Acetonitrile/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Flow Rate: 1 mL/min; Gradient: 20% B to 100% B in 9 minutes, hold 100% B for 10 minutes, 100% B to 20% B in 2 minutes, 20% B for 1 minute, and then stop; Column Temperature: Ambient; Detector: ELSD

To a solution of tetradecanoic acid (3.00 g, 13.14 mmol) in DCM (65 mL) added oxalyl chloride (2.3 mL, 26.3 mmol) and a drop of DMF. The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 2 h. The volatile components were then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in toluene (65 mL), and triethylamine (3.6 mL, 26.3 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16 h. A portion of this crude mixture (containing approximately 0.5 g, 1.2 mmol, of the intermediate alkyl ketene dimer) was added to a hot solution of poly(ethylene glycol) (average M_(n)˜2000, 4.8 g, 2.4 mmol) in toluene (25 mL). This mixture was heated at 85° C. for 3 days. After cooling, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM to obtain the title compound as a colorless solid (0.318 g, 0.13 mmol). LC/ELSD: RT=3.67 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.29 (t, 2H); 3.55-3.96 (m, 167H); 3.46 (m, 2H); 2.54 (m, 2H); 1.84 (m, 2H); 1.58 (m, 2H); 1.27 (m, 40H); 0.90 (m, 6H).

To a solution of tetradecanoic acid (3.00 g, 13.14 mmol) in DCM (65 mL) added oxalyl chloride (2.3 mL, 26.3 mmol) and a drop of DMF. The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 2 h. The volatile components were then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in toluene (65 mL), and triethylamine (3.6 mL, 26.3 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16 h. A portion of this crude mixture (containing approximately 0.5 g, 1.2 mmol, of the intermediate alkyl ketene dimer) was added to a hot solution of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (average M_(n)˜2000, 0.48 g, 0.24 mmol) in toluene (20 mL). This mixture was heated at 85° C. for 2 days. After cooling, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM to obtain the title compound as a colorless solid. (0.208 g, 0.09 mmol). LC/ELSD: RT=3.75 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.30 (t, 2H); 3.96-3.32 (m, 124H); 2.53 (m, 2H); 1.85-1.52 (m, 4H); 1.28 (m, 40H); 0.91 (m, 6H).

Procedure for Esterification with Maleic Anhydride

Step 1. Compound 3. (Z)-4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid

A mixture of maleic anhydride 1 (392 mg, 4 mmol) and 1-octadecanol 2 (1.08 g, 4 mmol) in toluene (10 ml) was refluxed overnight. The solvents were removed under vacuo and purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 0 to 50%) to give (907 mg, 62%) as white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 6.35-6.47 (m, 2H); 4.26 (t, 2H, J=6.6 Hz); 1.60-1.80 (m, 2H); 1.24-1.36 (m, 31H); 0.85 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Procedure for Esterification with PEG2000

Step 2. Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl maleate

To a solution of (Z)-4-(octadecyloxy)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid 3 (73 mg, 0.2 mmol) and PEG2000 4 (1.2 g, 0.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was added EDC (115 mg, 0.6 mmol) and DMAP (154 mg, 0.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1M HCl solution (20 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL×2). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO₃(10 mL), brine (10 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl maleate (126 mg, 26%) as white gum. HPLC/ELSD: RT=15.6 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 6.86 (s, 2H); 4.32-4.35 (m, 2H); 4.15-4.18 (m, 2H); 3.35-3.85 (m, 230H); 1.87-1.93 (m, 2H); 1.6-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.24-1.42 (m, 34H), 0.88 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Procedure for Esterification with Meldrum's Acid

Step 1. Compound 3. 3-(octadecyloxy)-3-oxopropanoic acid

A mixture of meldrum's acid 1 (1.4 g, 10 mmol) and 1-octadecanol 2 (2.7 g, 10 mmol) in toluene (10 ml) was refluxed overnight. The solvents were removed under vacuo and used in the next step without further purification ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.15-4.21 (m, 2H); 3.43 (s, 2H); 1.78-1.85 (m, 2H); 1.21-1.39 (m, 31H); 0.85 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Procedure for Esterification with Benzyl-PEG2000

Step 2. Compound 5. Benzyl Poly(Ethylene Glycol)₂₀₀₀-Octadecyl Maleate

To a solution of 3-(octadecyloxy)-3-oxopropanoic acid 3 (712 mg, 2 mmol) and Benzyl-PEG2000 4 (1 g, 0.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added EDC (368 mg, 2 mmol) and DMAP (244 mg, 2 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then quenched by 1M HCl solution (20 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL×2). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO₃(10 mL), brine (10 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (MeOH/dichloromethane 0 to 10%) to give benzyl-poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl malonate (220 mg, 19%) as white gum. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.32-7.33 (m, 5H); 4.55 (s, 2H); 4.25-4.28 (m, 2H); 4.11-4.14 (m, 2H); 3.38-3.85 (m, 171H); 1.81-1.93 (m, 2H); 1.5-1.72 (m, 2H); 1.15-1.42 (m, 34H); 0.84 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Procedure for Benzyl Deprotection Step 3. Poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl malonate

To a solution of benzyl-poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl malonate 5 (200 mg, 0.08 mmol) in EtOH (30 mL) was added Pd/C (10% wet, 80 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen balloon at room temperature for 6 h. The solid was removed by filtering through a pad of Celite. The combined organic solution was concentrated to give poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀-octadecyl malonate (116, 60%) as off-white gum. HPLC/ELSD: RT=13.6 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 4.27-4.3 (m, 2H); 4.09-4.14 (m, 2H); 3.56-3.78 (m, 188H); 3.38-3.42 (m, 2H); 1.71-1.87 (m, 2H); 1.58-1.65 (m, 2H); 1.18-1.39 (m, 34H); 0.84 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

LCMS Methods

Instrument Information: HPLC/MS-Agilent 1100; Column: Agela Technologies Durashell C18 3.5 μm, 100 Å, 4.6×50 mm; Mobile Phase A: Water/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Mobile Phase B: Acetonitrile/0.1% Trifluoroacetic Acid; Flow Rate: 1 mL/min; Gradient: 20% B to 100% B in 9 minutes, hold 100% B for 10 minutes, 100% B to 20% B in 2 minutes, 20% B for 1 minute, and then stop; Column Temperature: Ambient; Detector: ELSD

2-(138-oxo-2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68, 71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134,137-hexatetracontaoxapentapentacontahectanoyl)benzoic acid

To a solution of 134-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45, 48,51,54,57,60,63,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,12 6,129,132-tetratetracontaoxatetratriacontahectyl stearate (0.3 g, 0.132 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) added phthalic anhydride (0.49 g, 3.309 mmol) and 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (8.084e-4 g, 0.007 mmol) The reaction allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated to obtain solid material. The solid material was added with water which resulted in some white solid ppt to the bottom. Liquid was separated and added in to 2K dialysis cassette. The cassette was put in to a plastic bag with Milli Q water and put on a shaker. Milli Q water was replaced three times during 2 days. The solution in the dialysis cassette was put into a glass 40 mL vial and freeze dried to obtain 2-(138-oxo-2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44, 47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,12 5,128,131,134,137-hexatetracontaoxapentapentacontahectanoyl)benzoic acid (0.246 g, 0.102 mmol). LC/ELSD: RT=3.16 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 7.64 (m, 1H); 7.53 (m, 1H); 7.35 (m, 1H); 7.24 (m, 1H); 4.35 (m, 2H), 4.15 (m, 2H); 3.90-3.27 (m, 176H); 2.25 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.18 (m, 28H); 0.81 (m, 3H).

4,141-dioxo-5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50, 53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128, 131,134,137,140-hexatetracontaoxaoctapentacontahectanoic acid

To a solution of 134-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45, 48,51,54,57,60,63,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,12 6,129,132-tetratetracontaoxatetratriacontahectyl stearate (0.3 g, 0.132 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) added Succinic anhydride (0.53 g, 5.294 mmol) and a catalytic amount of 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine. The reaction allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM to obtain 4,141-dioxo-5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47, 50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134,137,140-hexatetracontaoxaoctapentacontahectanoic acid (0.259 g, 0.109 mmol). LC/ELSD: RT=3.10 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.23 (m, 4H); 3.94-3.38 (m, 176H); 2.61 (m, 4H); 2.34 (m, 2H); 1.64 (m, 2H); 1.31 (m, 28H); 0.92 (m, 3H).

5,142-dioxo-6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45,48,51,54, 57,60,63,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,126,129,13 2,135,138,141-hexatetracontaoxanonapentacontahectanoic acid

To a solution of 134-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45,48, 51,54,57,60,63,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,126,129,132-tetratetracontaoxatetratriacontahectyl stearate (0.3 g, 0.132 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) added glutaric anhydride (0.604 g, 5.294 mmol) and catalytic amount of 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM to obtain 5,142-dioxo-6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45,48, 51,54,57,60,63,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,126,129,132,135,138,141-hexatetracontaoxanonapentacontahectanoic acid (0.225 g, 0.094 mmol). LC/ELSD: RT=3.10 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.16 (m, 4H); 3.90-3.26 (m, 176H); 2.43-2.17 (m, 6H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.18 (m, 28H); 0.81 (m, 3H).

Synthesis of ditetradecyl 2-(4-(136-hydroxy-2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47, 50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectanoyl)phenyl)-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dicarboxylate

Step 1. ditetradecyl 2, 3-dihydroxysuccinate

To a solution of 2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid (2 g, 13.326 mmol), and tetradecan-1-ol (14.285 g, 66.628 mmol) in cyclohexanes (65 mL) added p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.046 g, 0.267 mmol). The reaction was refluxed for 18h with dean Stark app. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-100% ethyl acetate in in hexanes to obtain ditetradecyl 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate (3.41 g, 13.3 mmol, 47%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.55 (m, 2H); 4.29 (m, 4H); 3.13 (m, 2H); 1.71 (m, 4H); 1.28 (m, 44H); 0.91 (m, 6H).

Step 2. 4-(4,5-bis((tetradecyloxy)carbonyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)benzoic acid

To a solution of ditetradecyl 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate (0.3 g, 0.553 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) added 4-formylbenzoic acid (0.091 g, 0.608 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.01 g, 0.055 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at 90° C. for 16 h. Volatiles were evaporated under vacuum. The residue was diluted with DCM and extracted with water. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-100% (a solution of 20% MeOH, 80% DCM, 1% NH₄OH) in DCM to obtain the desired product 4-(4,5-bis((tetradecyloxy)carbonyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)benzoic acid (0.278 g, 0.553 mmol, 75%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 8.16 (m, 2H); 7.72 (m, 2H); 6.25 (s, 1H); 4.99 (m, 1H); 4.86 (m, 1H); 4.25 (m, 4H); 1.70 (m, 4H); 1.28 (m, 44H); 0.90 (m, 6H).

Step 3. ditetradecyl 2-(4-(136-hydroxy-2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44, 47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,12 5,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectanoyl)phenyl)-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dicarboxylate

To a solution of 4-{4,5-bis[(tetradecyloxy)carbonyl]-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl}benzoic acid (0.15 g, 0.222 mmol), methoxy-PEG-2K (0.358 g, 0.178 mmol), and 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (0.005 g, 0.044 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) added and Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.06 g, 0.289 mmol) The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solid was filtered and solvents were evaporated, and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM.

LC/ELSD: RT=3.3 min. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 8.10 (m, 2H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 6.22 (s, 1H); 4.95 (m, 2H); 4.84 (m, 2H); 4.49 (m, 2H); 4.24 (m, 4H); 3.94-3.35 (m, 172H); 1.70 (m, 4H); 1.28 (m, 49H); 0.90 (m, 6H).

2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92, 95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectan-136-yl tetradecanoate

To a solution of myristic acid (0.5 g, 2.189 mmol), MeO-PEG 2K (3.39 g, 1.68 mmol) and 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (0.041 g, 0.337 mmol) in DCM (8 mL) added Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.452 g, 2.189 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM and re purified again by 0-12% MeOH in DCM to obtain 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62, 65,68,71,74,77,80, 83,86, 89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectan-136-yltetradecanoate (0.475 g, 0.214 mmol, 13%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.29-3.33 (m, 182H); 2.35 (t, 2H); 1.63 (m, 2H); 1.28 (m, 20H); 0.90 (m, 3H).

Synthesis of 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77, 80,83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectan-136-yl 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

Step 1. 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid

To a solution of stearyl alcohol (5.6 g, 20.702 mmol) in toluene (40 mL) added 1,4-dioxane-2,6-dione (2.884 g, 24.843 mmol) and 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (0.126 g, 1.035 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM to obtain 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetic acid (5.35 g, 13.84 mmol, 67%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.26 (m, 6H); 1.69 (m, 2H); 1.31 (m, 31H); 0.90 (m, 3H).

Step 2. 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,80, 83,86,89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectan-136-yl 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate

To a solution of [2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy]acetic acid (0.3 g, 0.776 mmol), MeO-PEG 2K (1.203 g, 0.597 mmol) and 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (0.073 g, 0.597 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) added dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.148 g, 0.716 mmol) The reaction was allowed to stir at rt for 16h. Solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (ISCO) by 0-20% of MeOH in DCM and re purified again by 0-12% MeOH in DCM to obtain 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65,68,71,74, 77,80, 83,86, 89,92,95,98,101,104,107,110,113,116,119,122,125,128,131,134-pentatetracontaoxahexatriacontahectan-136-yl 2-(2-(octadecyloxy)-2-oxoethoxy)acetate (0.422 g, 0.597 mmol, 30%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: ppm 4.38-4.10 (m, 8H); 3.96-3.35 (m, 178H); 1.72 (m, 5H); 1.28 (m, 30H); 0.90 (m, 3H).

EQUIVALENTS AND SCOPE

In the claims articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.

Furthermore, the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, and descriptive terms from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim. For example, any claim that is dependent on another claim can be modified to include one or more limitations found in any other claim that is dependent on the same base claim. Where elements are presented as lists, e.g., in Markush group format, each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements and/or features, certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements and/or features. For purposes of simplicity, those embodiments have not been specifically set forth in haec verba herein.

It is also noted that the terms “comprising” and “containing” are intended to be open and permits the inclusion of additional elements or steps. Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or sub-range within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

This application refers to various issued patents, published patent applications, journal articles, and other publications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. If there is a conflict between any of the incorporated references and the instant specification, the specification shall control. In addition, any particular embodiment of the present invention that falls within the prior art may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Because such embodiments are deemed to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, they may be excluded even if the exclusion is not set forth explicitly herein. Any particular embodiment of the invention can be excluded from any claim, for any reason, whether or not related to the existence of prior art.

Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. The scope of the present embodiments described herein is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications to this description may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene; R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 2. The LNP of claim 1, wherein the PEG lipid is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group.
 3. The LNP of claim 1 or 2, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.
 4. The LNP of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and s is an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 5. The LNP of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. The LNP of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the PEG lipid is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 7. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive; and m is an integer from 5-15, inclusive, or an integer from 19-30, inclusive.
 8. The LNP of claim 7, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. The LNP of claim 7 or 8, wherein the PEG lipid is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 10. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (III):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Y² is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 11. The LNP of claim 10, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The LNP of claim 10 or 11, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each instance of s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 13. The LNP of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. The LNP of any one of claims 10-13, wherein the PEG lipid is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 15. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive; provided that when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.
 16. The LNP of claim 15, wherein the PEG lipid is of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; and each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; provided that when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.
 17. The LNP of claim 15 or 16, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.
 18. The LNP of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 19. The LNP of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the PEG lipid is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 20. The LNP of any one of claims 15-19, wherein the PEG lipid is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 21. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or a combination thereof; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 22. The LNP of claim 21, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 23. The LNP of claim 21 or 22, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 24. The LNP of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (V) is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 25. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a PEG lipid of Formula (VI):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or combinations thereof; Ring P is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted carbocyclyl; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 26. The LNP of claim 25, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 27. The LNP of claim 25 or 26, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 28. The LNP of any one of claims 25-27, wherein the PEG lipid of Formula (VI) is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 29. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L² is


30. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L² is L¹.
 31. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L¹ is of one of the following formulae:


32. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein Y¹ is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—.
 33. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R^(O) is hydrogen.
 34. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl.
 35. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl.
 36. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein m is 12, 13, 14, or
 15. 37. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein s is 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or
 18. 38. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R^(N) is hydrogen or methyl.
 39. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein r is an integer from 35-55, inclusive.
 40. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein r is an integer from 40-50, inclusive.
 41. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LNP comprises about 0.15-15% of the PEG lipids.
 42. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LNP comprises about 1-2% of the PEG lipids.
 43. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LNP comprises about 1.5% of the PEG lipids.
 44. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an ionizable amino lipid.
 45. The LNP of claim 44, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is a compound of a compound of Formula (X):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein: R₁ is selected from the group consisting of C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, C₅₋₂₀ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R″M′R′; R₂ and R₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₁₄ alkyl, C₂₋₁₄ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R*OR″, or R₂ and R₃, together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R₄ is selected from the group consisting of a C₃₋₆ carbocycle, —(CH₂)_(n)Q, —(CH₂)_(n)CHQR, —CHQR, —CQ(R)₂, and unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, —OR, —O(CH₂)_(n)N(R)₂, —C(O)OR, —OC(O)R, —CX₃, —CX₂H, —CXH₂, —CN, —N(R)₂, —C(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)R, —N(R)S(O)₂R, —N(R)C(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(S)N(R)₂, —N(R)R₈, —O(CH₂)_(n)OR, —N(R)C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —OC(O)N(R)₂, —N(R)C(O)OR, —N(OR)C(O)R, —N(OR)S(O)₂R, —N(OR)C(O)OR, —N(OR)C(O)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(S)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —N(OR)C(═CHR₉)N(R)₂, —C(═NR₉)N(R)₂, —C(═NR₉)R, —C(O)N(R)O R, and —C(R)N(R)₂C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R₅ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H; each R₆ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H; M and M′ are independently selected from —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —C(S)S—, —SC(S)—, —CH(OH)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S(O)₂—, —S—S—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R₇ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H; R₈ is selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₆ carbocycle and heterocycle; R₉ is selected from the group consisting of H, CN, NO₂, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —OR, —S(O)₂R, —S(O)₂N(R)₂, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₃₋₆ carbocycle and heterocycle; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl, C₂₋₃ alkenyl, and H; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, C₂₋₁₈ alkenyl-R*YR″, —YR″, and H; each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₁₄ alkyl and C₃₋₁₄ alkenyl; each R* is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl and C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl; each Y is independently a C₃₋₆ carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and
 13. 46. The LNP of claim 44 or 45, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 47. The LNP of claim 44 or 45, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 48. The LNP of claim 44 or 45, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 49. The LNP of claim 44, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is of Formula (Y):

or a salt thereof, wherein: Ring A is

A₁ and A₂ are each independently selected from CH and N; Z is CH₂ or absent wherein when Z is CH₂, the dashed lines (1) and (2) each represent a single bond; and when Z is absent, the dashed lines (1) and (2) are both absent; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of C₅₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₂₀ alkenyl, —R*YR″, —YR″, and —R*OR″; each M is independently selected from the group consisting of —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N(R′)—, —N(R′)C(O)—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, —C(S)S—, —SC(S)—, —CH(OH)—, —P(O)(OR′)O—, —S(O)₂—, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; X₁, X₂, and X₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of a bond, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₂—, —CHY—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)—CH₂—, —CH₂C(O)—, —C(O)O—CH₂—, —OC(O)—CH₂—, —CH₂C(O)O—, —CH₂OC(O)—, —CH(OH)—, —C(S)—, and —CH(SH)—; each Y is independently a C₃₋₆ carbocycle; each R* is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl and C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₃ alkyl and a C₃₋₆ carbocycle; each R′ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, and H; and each R″ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₃₋₁₂ alkyl and C₃₋₁₂ alkenyl.
 50. The LNP of claim 49, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 51. The LNP of claim any one of claims 44-50, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-65% with respect to other lipids.
 52. The LNP of claim any one of claims 44-50, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 40% or less with respect to other lipids.
 53. The LNP of any one of claims 44-50, wherein the ionizable amino lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 25-40% or less with respect to other lipids
 54. The LNP of any one of claims 1-53 further comprising a helper lipid.
 55. The LNP of claim 54, wherein the helper lipid is DSPC or an analog thereof.
 56. The LNP of claim 55, wherein the helper lipid is DSPC.
 57. The LNP of claim 55, wherein the helper lipid is of the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 58. The LNP of claim 54, wherein the helper lipid is DOPE.
 59. The LNP of claim 54, wherein the helper lipid is oleic acid or an analog thereof.
 60. The LNP of any one of claims 54-59, wherein the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 10-40% with respect to other lipids.
 61. The LNP of claim 60, wherein the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30% with respect to other lipids.
 62. The LNP of claim 60, wherein the helper lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 20% with respect to other lipids.
 63. The LNP of any one of claims 1-62 further comprising a structural lipid.
 64. The LNP of claim 63, wherein the structural lipid is a sterol.
 65. The LNP of claim 64, wherein the structural lipid is cholesterol.
 66. The LNP of any one of claims 63-65, wherein the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 30-50% with respect to other lipids.
 67. The LNP of any one of claims 63-65, wherein the structural lipid is present in a molar ratio of about 38.5% with respect to other lipids.
 68. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims comprising a PEG lipid, an ionizable amino lipid, a helper lipid, and a structural lipid.
 69. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims comprising a molar ratio of about 25-65% ionizable amino lipid, about 0.15-15% of the PEG lipid, about 30-50% structural lipid, and about 10-40% helper lipid.
 70. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a therapeutic agent.
 71. The LNP of claim 70, wherein the therapeutic agent is a nucleic acid.
 72. The LNP of claim 70, wherein the therapeutic agent is an RNA.
 73. The LNP of claim 70, wherein the therapeutic agent is an mRNA.
 74. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims further comprising an agent that inhibits an immune response in a subject.
 75. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LNP exhibits greater than 15% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.
 76. The LNP of claim 75, wherein the LNP exhibits greater than 50% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.
 77. The LNP of claim 75, wherein the LNP exhibits greater than 80% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.
 78. The LNP of claim 75, wherein the LNP exhibits greater than 90% PEG shedding after about 6 hours in human serum.
 79. A compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁ alkylene, optionally substituted C₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, or a linker of the formula:

Y¹ is —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; R¹ is optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 80. The compound of claim 79, wherein the compound is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: Y¹ is —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; and R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.
 81. The compound of claim 79 or 80, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.
 82. The compound of any one of claims 79-81, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each instance of R is hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and s is an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 83. The compound of any one of claims 79-82, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 84. The compound of any one of claims 79-83, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 85. A compound of Formula (III):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Y² is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S— each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 86. The compound of claim 85, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 87. The compound of claim 85 or 86, wherein the compound of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each instance of s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 88. The compound of any one of claims 85-87, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 89. The compound of any one of claims 85-88, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 90. A compound of Formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L¹ is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₃ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₃ alkynylene; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive; provided that when L¹ is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.
 91. The LNP of claim 90, wherein the compound is of the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Y¹ is a bond, —CR₂—, —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—; each instance of R is independently hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl; and R^(N) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; provided that when Y¹ is a bond or —CH₂—, R^(O) is not methyl.
 92. The compound of claim 90 or 91, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each instance of R is hydrogen, halogen, or optionally substituted alkyl.
 93. The compound of any one of claims 90-92, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 94. The compound of any one of claims 90-93, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 95. The compound of any one of claims 90-94, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 96. A compound of Formula (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or a combination thereof; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 97. The compound of claim 96, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 98. The compound of claim 96 or 97, wherein the compound is of one of the following formulae:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 99. The compound of any one of claims 96-99, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 100. A compound of Formula (VI):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L² is a bond, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ heteroalkylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkenylene, optionally substituted C₂₋₆ alkynylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, or optionally substituted carbocyclylene, or combinations thereof; Ring P is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, or optionally substituted carbocyclyl; each instance of R¹ is independently optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkyl, optionally substituted C₃₋₃₀ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₅₋₃₀ alkynyl; R^(O) is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted acyl, or an oxygen protecting group; and r is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
 101. The compound of claim 100, wherein the compound is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 102. The compound of claim 100 or 101, wherein the compound is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each s is independently an integer from 5-25, inclusive.
 103. The compound of any one of claims 100-102, wherein compound is of the following formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 104. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L² is


105. The LNP of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L² is L¹.
 106. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein L¹ is of one of the following formulae:


107. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein Y¹ is —O—, —NR^(N)—, or —S—.
 108. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R^(O) is hydrogen.
 109. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ is optionally substituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl.
 110. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl.
 111. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein m is 12, 13, 14, or
 15. 112. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein s is 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or
 18. 113. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R^(N) is hydrogen or methyl.
 114. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein r is an integer from 35-55, inclusive.
 115. The compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein r is an integer from 40-50, inclusive.
 116. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any one of claims 79-105, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 117. A cosmetic composition comprising a compound of any one of claims 79-105, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 118. A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) comprising a compound of any one of claims 79-105, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 